Nigeria's Unified Response to Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance in Nigeria has become a major health issue. It affects treatment of infections and increases deaths. Many medicines now fail to kill common germs. These infections then become harder and more expensive to treat. Nigeria has now taken a joint approach. The Nigerian National Antimicrobial Stewardship Taskforce (NNAST) plays a big role. It helps build better systems for infection control. It also spreads awareness in hospitals and schools. NAP 2.0 is the national action plan. It follows the World Health Organization (WHO) guide.

Teamwork and Awareness in Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance

Fighting antimicrobial resistance in Nigeria needs joint action. Hospitals, clinics, and schools now work together. NNAST builds strong networks and trains health workers. They learn to use antibiotics the right way. This reduces overuse and stops drug resistance. Labs now track resistance patterns better. Doctors then give proper treatment. Public education also plays a big role. People learn not to take antibiotics for common colds. Posters and radio talks reach rural and urban areas. Pharmacists guide customers before giving any drugs. Schools teach students about safe medicine use. Together, this united action helps stop the rise of superbugs.

NAP 2.0: National Action Plan Against Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance in Nigeria. It follows global standards and local needs. The goal is to reduce drug resistance and improve health.

Key Features 

  • Antimicrobial resistance surveillance & Detection 
  • Infection Prevention & Control 
  • Public Awareness 
  • Access to Diagnostics 
  • Capacity Building 
  • Research & Development 
  • Healthcare System Strengthening
antimicrobial resistance`
antimicrobial resistance in nigeria

ABOUT US

Who We Are

NNAST stands for Nigeria National Antimicrobial Stewardship Technical Working Group. It was formed to help Nigeria fight antimicrobial resistance. The group brings together experts from public health, labs, hospitals, and the government. These members work closely with the NCDC and other health bodies.
NNAST started with one goal—stop the rise of drug-resistant infections. It was set up by health leaders who saw the growing problem. Now, NNAST leads national efforts to guide safe antibiotic use. It acts as a bridge between healthcare and policy. The team ensures all plans are based on real data and public health needs.

Our Mission

The mission of NNAST is simple—slow down the spread of AMR in Nigeria. We help guide the safe use of antibiotics in all sectors. Our work follows global health rules by the WHO and local plans by the NCDC. NNAST supports hospitals, labs, and clinics to follow better practices. We work to stop misuse of antibiotics. We also help set standards for doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. Our mission matches national and global goals. We aim to reduce antimicrobial resistance step by step. NNAST also helps train health workers and raise public awareness on AMR.

Our Role

NNAST plays a key role in Nigeria’s AMR response. We guide how hospitals and clinics use antibiotics. We support better lab systems to detect resistance. We help write the National Action Plan (NAP 2.0 AMR) and make sure it works in real life. Our group connects government, health workers, and the public. NNAST also reviews drug policies and treatment rules. We support health education campaigns and training programs. All our work helps slow the rise of superbugs. As a national task force, NNAST ensures Nigeria stays on track in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. We help shape the country’s response to AMR.

Our Commitment to Combating Antimicrobial Resistance for a Healthier Future

Our mission at NNAST is to guide the nation in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We follow guidelines from the NCDC and WHO to protect public health. Here’s what we do:

  • Teach people about AMR and the safe use of antibiotics.
  • Train doctors and nurses to give antibiotics correctly.
  • Maintain hospital cleanliness to prevent the spread of infections.
  • Track resistant germs through lab testing and reports.
  • Support research for new medicines and treatments.
  • Work with global groups to match AMR goals worldwide.

NNAST works to protect Nigeria from the threat of AMR. The goal is to reduce antibiotic resistance in Nigeria through joint efforts. This includes raising awareness, training health workers, and working together. The aim is to improve health for all Nigerians.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Support for National & Sub-National AMS Programs

NNAST plays a vital role in supporting national and sub-national AMS programs across Nigeria. Our aim is to improve how antibiotics are used. We provide guidance to local health authorities. This helps reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR) risks in different regions. The programs focus on better management and safer drug use.
  • Promote responsible antibiotic prescribing in healthcare.
  • Support regional initiatives to track resistant infections.
  • Ensure better communication between national and local health bodies.

Technical Support for TWG & AMRCC

NNAST provides technical support for the Technical Working Group (TWG) and the AMRCC. We offer expert advice on AMR control strategies. This partnership strengthens efforts to fight AMR in Nigeria.
  • Assist in strategy development for AMR response.
  • Offer technical expertise in AMR surveillance in Nigeria.
  • Help identify effective policy changes for AMR control.

Gap Analysis and Policy Advocacy

We conduct gap analysis to identify weak points in AMR control. NNAST uses this data to influence better policies. Working with the NCDC, we aim to close these gaps. Our advocacy helps shape the future of AMR management in Nigeria.
  • Identify gaps in current AMR policies.
  • Recommend policy adjustments for more effective control.
  • Work closely with health authorities to implement changes.

Our Team

Our Contribution to Combating Antimicrobial Resistance

NNAST plays a key role in supporting the Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Prevention. We help implement NAP 2.0 AMR goals under the One Health plan. 

Provide Critical Support to NCDC

We assist NCDC in setting standards for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Nigeria. NNAST collects and analyzes AMR data, identifies gaps, and integrates infectious disease education into schools. Our support strengthens AMR management efforts across Nigeria.

Facilitate Collaboration Across Agencies and Sectors

NNAST promotes collaboration among government agencies, healthcare providers, and research institutions. We also connect civil society organizations and international partners. This collaboration ensures a unified, effective response to AMR challenges.

Strengthen Communication and Awareness

We work to improve communication and information sharing among stakeholders. NNAST raises public awareness of AMR and promotes the correct use of antibiotics. This helps reduce AMR by preventing misuse and promoting better practices.
antimicrobial stewardship in nigeria

Our Partners in the Fight Against AMR

Our Latest Blogs, Informations and Events

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Nigeria is grappling with a rapidly intensifying and urgent antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis.

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infection prevention and control in nigeria The Silent Pandemic: Antimicrobial Resistance in Nigeria Nigeria, a vibrant nation brimming with potential, faces a silent but deadly threat: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). While…
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FAQs

What is NNAST?

NNAST is a national task force dedicated to combating antimicrobial resistance in Nigeria.

Who does NNAST work with?

NNAST works with NCDC, hospitals, schools, and global health partners.

What is NAP 2.0?

NAP 2.0 is Nigeria’s action plan to reduce drug resistance.

Why is AMR a problem?

AMR makes infections harder to treat and increases health risks.

What is AMR surveillance?

AMR surveillance in Nigeria is the tracking of germs that resist antibiotics. It helps doctors know which treatments still work.

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Dr. Omobosola Akinsete is a dedicated physician and a key member of the Nigerian Antimicrobial Stewardship Taskforce. She has been an internal medicine and adult Infectious Disease physician in the United States of America for 30  years . She graduated from Medical school at the University of Lagos, and has a masters in Public Health from Johns Hopkins school of Public Health. She did her Internal Medicine training at a Brown University hospital and her fellowship in Infectious Diseases  at the University of Minnesota where she is an associate professor. She has worked with the National Institutes of Health and Howard University a a coordinator for the Human Genome Project among other projects, she is a frequent public speaker and contributor to different types of media. She loves to advocate for healthcare in minority populations. She  has a lot of experience with  patients and health care providers on antimicrobial stewardship in her institution  HealthPartners in Minnesota U.S.A. Her expertise in the field of Infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship and her passion to improve health care in her home country will contribute significantly to the fight against antimicrobial resistance in Nigeria. Dr. Akinsete’s work with the taskforce focuses on leadership of the taskforce as chairperson and national coordinator, working closely with NCDC leadership, the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health, stakeholders, and funding partners, and helping with capacity building of standardized antimicrobial stewardship and infectious disease educational programs. She will also use her expertise to guide providers and HealthCare institutions  on the ground . Her commitment to improving antimicrobial use and patient safety is invaluable to the nation’s public health efforts.