By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA FCT – In a move to improve the overall public health security in the country as a key pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s #RenewedHope Agenda, Nigeria has launched the Second National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (#AMR) and the National Genomic Surveillance Strategy(NGSS).
Disclosing this on Friday via his official X account, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate said these two critical documents are pivotal to the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (#NHSRII), which focuses on building a resilient healthcare system, strengthening governance, and securing better health outcomes and health security. By addressing both current and future threats, these strategies position Nigeria as a leader in health security across Africa and globally, he said.
According to the minister, both the AMR National Action Plan and the National Genomic Surveillance Strategy are closely interconnected. The integration of genomic surveillance with our AMR efforts will strengthen our capacity to monitor bacterial pathogens and detect emerging threats before they spread widely. This synergy will enhance Nigeria’s role in the global fight against AMR while simultaneously improving our overall public health security.
“AMR presents an urgent global challenge, contributing to 4.7 million deaths in 2021 alone. Nigeria’s Second National Action Plan on AMR was developed through extensive collaboration and adopts a One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health. Given that 67% of antimicrobial use occurs in the animal sector, this plan is crucial for curbing AMR and promoting responsible antimicrobial use across all sectors. Support from mechanisms like the #PandemicFund will be essential in financing these efforts and ensuring that Nigeria is equipped to combat AMR effectively.”
“The National Genomic Surveillance Strategy is equally vital. Genomic technologies will revolutionize the way we detect, monitor, and respond to infectious diseases. By integrating genomics into our AMR surveillance systems, we will enhance our ability to track pathogens, anticipate future health threats, and advance precision medicine and public health interventions.”
“Looking forward, Nigeria is positioning itself to host a high-level ministerial program on AMR within the next two years. We are in discussions to bring global leaders together in Nigeria to further advance our collective efforts in combating AMR. This will bolster efforts to enhance health security on the continent and beyond.”
“We appreciate the hard work of numerous experts who led deep stakeholder engagement to develop these strategic documents.”
“We also acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our development partners, including the World Health Organization @WHO, the Food and Agriculture Organization @FAO, @USAID, DRASA Health Trust @drasatrust, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative @CHAI_health. Thank you all.”
“The real work begins tomorrow, and with the commitment of all stakeholders, I am confident that we will make significant strides in building a healthier, safer Nigeria—a Nigeria that plays its part in African and global health security, stressing that it was exciting to launch Nigeria’s Second National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (#AMR) and the National Genomic Surveillance Strategy.
The dignitarirs who were present at the launch were; former Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, Honorable Ministers of Agriculture and Environment, Honorable Dr. Amos Magaji, Chairman of the House Committee on Tertiary Health, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, and the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr. Jide Idris.
Other partners of the ministry also present, include, WHO, FAO, USAID, and many more.
Their presence highlights our collective commitment to advancing Nigeria’s health security, a key pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s @officialABAT #RenewedHope, Agenda for improving the health of all Nigerians, the minister said.
