By Giwa SHILE
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and partners on Monday urged Nigerians to desist from antimicrobial self medication as it causes drugs resistance.
The Epidemiologist, NCDC, Mr Abiodun Egwuenu, made the call during the antimicrobial resistance awareness walk to mark the National Antibiotics Awareness Week (NAAW) in Abuja.
Egwuenu enjoined Nigerians not to use antibiotics indiscriminately even with animals and to ensure proper personal hygiene at all times.
Mr Love Omoniyei, the Country Technical Assistant, Global Antibiotics Resistance Partnership Project in Nigeria, an NGO, noted that infection could be prevented through regular hand washing practice, avoiding contacts with sick people and keeping vaccination up to date.
Omoniyei underscored the need to ensure proper waste disposal and optimal sanitary conditions.
“Always take the full prescription even if you feel better, also never use leftover medicines and never share medicines with others.
“Ensure you use test results to guide your prescribing patterns and do not give antibiotics for cold and flu,” he warned.
Mr Isiwie Gideon, a corps member, said that he was not aware of the dangers of taking antibiotics without prescription until now.
Gideon pledged to start spreading the message in his locality to save lives.
