In an effort to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, the
Anti Microbial Stewardship Committee at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) organized a series of events during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, which included a sensitization campaign to healthcare workers within the hospital.
Dr. Ibrahim Maigari, an infectious disease specialist and member of the committee, delivered a compelling presentation during this year’s event with the theme ‘Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together.’ Dr. Maigari emphasized the critical need for healthcare workers to stay informed about the evolving landscape of antibiotics and their approriate usage. He further stressed that “One Health” approach involving humans, animals, plants and environmental stakeholders is necessary to control Antimicrobial Resistance.
Specifically, he cautioned against the incomplete and unwarranted use of antibiotics, highlighting the associated dangers. Dr. Maigari called upon relevant authorities to implement stringent monitoring measures for pharmaceutical stores and other drug vendors, urging strict adherence to prescription guidelines to mitigate the misuse of antimicrobial.
He shows concern at the number of people dying from AMR pathogenic infections which combine is more than what we witness from HIV, Malaria or Tuberculosis.
Members of the committee consist of physicians, microbiologists, pharmacists and nurses from various departments of the hospital. In response, Dr. Adamu Saidu, Pharmacist Bilkiisu Ibrahim, and Dr. Nurat Lawal pledge to draft a blueprint that will be shared among health workers as a guide in dealing with microbial drugs.
As part of the week-long activities, the committee undertook a comprehensive sensitization campaign across various hospital wards, including Obstetrics & Gynecology, General Outpatient Department (GOPD), and the Trauma Center. This proactive approach aimed to engage health workers directly, ensuring they understand the significance of responsible antibiotic usage in preventing antimicrobial resistance.
The events held at ATBUTH Bauchi not only underscored the commitment of healthcare professionals to address this global health challenge but also emphasized the collective responsibility required to safeguard the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments for future generations.
