The Federal Government has announced the formation of a new Steering Committee that will combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) – a rising global public health threat.
The Minister for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, stated this on his social media account on Tuesday.
This move follows the release of the third edition of the National Drug Policy, which shows the importance of addressing AMR. Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites are no longer susceptible to the drugs that once were effective against them. This resistance is largely because of drug misuse and overuse.
The new committee will aim to curb the distribution of counterfeit and substandard drugs while promoting the rational dispensing and prescribing of drugs. They will also ensure that drug distribution regulation and education of healthcare providers on these issues are boosted.
One of the main measures outlined in the policy is the introduction of antibiotic prescription forms and the general ensuring of the responsible use of antibiotics.
Dr. Alausa described the benefits of the policy and the steering committee. “The policy will provide the framework healthcare workers use to ensure rational prescribing and dispensing of medicine. To cut down on quackery, going forward, prescriptions will be issued on standardised forms in line with international best practice and the interest of the patient. Once the committee completes their tasks by the end of the year, the policy implementation will commence the following year“, he said.
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