Nigeria to Mark National Antibiotics Awareness Week - November 12th - 18th, 2018

Saturday, November 10, 2018

10 November, 2018 | Abuja – NIGERIA TO MARK NATIONAL ANTIBIOTICS AWARENESS WEEK - NOVEMBER 12TH - 18TH, 2018

Theme: Misuse of Antibiotics Puts Us All at Risk

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and the Federal Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Federal Ministry of Environment, World Health Organisation, key private sector and civil society organisations are working together to raise awareness on the misuse of antibiotics in Nigeria.

Globally, antibiotics are widely used for the treatment of infections in human and animals. However, there are rising public health concerns over the unnecessary use of antibiotics in human and animals, and increase in antimicrobial resistance. The emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms has led to increased mortality and economic burden. More than ever, there is a strong need for stakeholders to work together to advocate for the proper procurement and responsible use of antimicrobials.

As part of global commemoration, NCDC and partners are inviting Nigerians to participate in the National Antibiotics Awareness Week from the 12th – 18th of November, 2018. This is to raise awareness on the threats from antibiotic resistance and encourage best practices among key audiences - the general public, health workers and policy makers.

The following events are planned to celebrate the 2018 National Antibiotics Awareness Week:

• An awareness walk in Abuja, bringing together partners and stakeholders to spread the word on antibiotic use in Nigeria, taking place on 12th November 2018 in Abuja

• A policy dialogue on AMR for policymakers, health workers and food safety groups in the human, animal and environment sectors, taking place on 13th November 2018 in Abuja #AMRactionNG #WAAW

• Spelling bee and essay competition for Junior Secondary School (JSS) students taking place on Wednesday, 14th November 2018 in Abuja

• Press Conference to be held on Thursday, 15th November 2018

• A twitter chat on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) taking place on Friday, 16th November, 2018. Use the hashtag #AMRactionNG #WAAW to get involved

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and its partners are leading an extensive campaign to increase awareness on the threat of antimicrobial resistance among Nigerians, and urge the public to engage with these activities in their communities.

ABOUT NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was established in the year 2011 in response to the challenges of public health emergencies and to enhance Nigeria’s preparedness and response to epidemics through prevention, detection, and control of communicable diseases. Its core mandate is to detect, investigate, prevent and control diseases of national and international public health importance.

For further information:

NCDC Toll-free Number: 0800-970000-10

SMS: 08099555577

WhatsApp: 07087110839

Twitter/Facebook: @NCDCgov

Signed:

Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu,

CEO, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control

Connect Centre