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Antimicrobial Resistance in Focus: Urgent Call to Action for Healthcare in Kano
By Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time.
Defined as the ability of microorganisms—such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—to resist the effects of medications that once successfully treated infections, AMR poses a severe threat to global health, food security, and development.
Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance
Dr. Yahya Usman Umar, the Head of the Department of Microbiology at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano, explains that antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria or other microorganisms evolve and adapt in ways that render antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents ineffective.
“This evolution is accelerated by the misuse and overuse of these drugs in humans, animals, and agriculture,” Dr. Umar states.
“When microorganisms become resistant, standard treatments become ineffective, leading to prolonged illnesses, higher medical costs, and an increased risk of death.”
The Danger of Antimicrobial Resistance
The dangers of AMR cannot be overstated. According to Dr. Umar, infections caused by resistant microorganisms are more difficult to treat, and they often require more expensive and toxic alternatives.
“The consequences of untreated or poorly treated infections can lead to severe complications and, in some cases, fatalities,” he warns.
“Moreover, the spread of resistant strains can trigger outbreaks, making AMR a significant concern for public health globally and in Nigeria.”
In Kano and other regions, AMR is exacerbated by several factors, including the widespread availability of antibiotics without prescriptions, improper dosages, and lack of awareness among the public about the dangers of self-medication.
“We are witnessing a scenario where common infections, such as urinary tract infections or respiratory diseases, are becoming increasingly difficult to treat due to resistant bacteria,” Dr. Umar notes.
Why Antimicrobial Resistance is a Public Health Threat
AMR’s status as a public health threat stems from its potential to undermine decades of progress in medicine.
“Without effective antimicrobials, the success of major surgeries, cancer chemotherapy, and organ transplants is jeopardized,” Dr. Umar explains.
“These procedures rely on the ability to control infections, and if our medications fail, the risks associated with these treatments increase dramatically.”
Dr. Umar also highlights that AMR can lead to longer hospital stays, a need for more intensive care, and a greater burden on healthcare systems already strained by other public health challenges.
“In low-resource settings like Kano, the impact of AMR could be catastrophic, as access to alternative treatments is often limited,” he adds.
The Way Forward: Combating Antimicrobial Resistance
Addressing the threat of AMR requires a multifaceted approach. Dr. Umar emphasizes the importance of strengthening antibiotic stewardship programs, which promote the appropriate use of antimicrobials.
“Healthcare professionals need to be trained on the judicious prescription of antibiotics, and the public must be educated on the dangers of self-medication and the importance of completing prescribed courses of treatment,” he suggests.
Dr. Umar also calls for improved infection prevention and control measures, both in healthcare settings and in the community.
“Reducing the spread of resistant infections can be achieved through better hygiene practices, vaccination, and the use of diagnostics to guide treatment decisions,” he explains.
Moreover, Dr. Umar advocates for increased investment in research and development to discover new antibiotics and alternative therapies.
“Given the slow pace of new drug development, we must also explore innovative strategies, such as bacteriophage therapy and the use of probiotics, to combat resistant infections,” he recommends.
Dr. Umar stresses that combating antimicrobial resistance is not just the responsibility of healthcare professionals but requires collective action from policymakers, the public, and global health organizations.
“We must work together to preserve the efficacy of our current treatments and ensure a safer future for all,” he concludes.
This special report is brought to you by Premier Radio in partnership with the Media EIS Fellowship
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Political allies and loyalists of former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Arc Aminu Dabo, have begun resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State following his withdrawal from the ruling party.
KANO FOCUS reports that the supporters, operating under the political group Dabo Alheri Ne, reportedly include members across Kano State’s 44 local government areas.
Barely two days after Dabo announced his resignation from the APC, a prominent stakeholder of the group, Garba Zakiru Dambatta, said members had welcomed the decision and were showing solidarity by submitting their resignation letters to their respective ward party chairmen.
Dambatta, a former APC chairman in Dambatta Local Government Area, said the group’s members were disappointed with what they described as the prolonged marginalisation of Mr Dabo and his supporters within the party.
According to him, despite Mr Dabo’s contributions to the APC and efforts to strengthen the party and manage disagreements among its members, some key stakeholders had continued to sideline him and his loyalists in party activities.
Dambatta reaffirmed the group’s commitment to standing by Mr Dabo’s political decisions and supporting his future political journey.
He also urged the former NPA managing director not to succumb to political pressure or reverse his decision to leave the party.
“This step you have taken, we have the conviction that it is the beginning of a new chapter of goodness in your life,” Dambatta said.
Among the prominent members of the group identified as supporting Mr Dabo’s decision are Abba Rabee’u, a former Senior Special Assistant on Political Awareness; Almustapha Jilani Danmalam, a former Senior Special Assistant on Education; Jamilu Abdullahi Zangon-Mata, a former Senior Special Assistant on Entrepreneurship; and Fahd A. Dabo, a former Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation.
The individuals reportedly served during the second term of former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The group also said several other party loyalists and supporters were backing Dabo following his resignation.
However, the statement did not provide the number of members who had formally resigned from the APC or indicate whether the party leadership had responded to the development.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Five players of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Club have been invited to the national camp of Nigeria’s Special Super Eagles ahead of the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico.
KANO FOCUS reports that invited players are Isah Yusuf, Abba Musa, Habu Friday, Emanuel Betel and Usman Ahmed. They are currently in Abuja with the national team as preparations intensify for the global tournament.
The Team Manager of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Team, Jamilu Uba Adamu, disclosed this in an interview with Ashiru Rabiu Gidan Tudu, Information Officer of the Kano State Sports Commission.
Adamu described the invitation as recognition of the players’ dedication, discipline and outstanding performances.
He expressed confidence that the players would represent Kano State and Nigeria with honour at the championship.
According to him, the call-up also demonstrates Kano Pillars’ commitment to nurturing talented amputee footballers and contributing to the development of the sport in Nigeria.
The 2026 Amputee Football World Cup is scheduled to take place from November 13 to 22 in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico. A total of 24 countries, including seven African nations, are expected to participate.
The Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, congratulated the five players on their invitation, describing it as well deserved.
Babangida expressed confidence that they would justify the confidence reposed in them by the national team selectors.
He assured the players of the commission’s continued support and urged them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to making Kano State and Nigeria proud on the international stage.
Ibrahim Khalil
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, Aminu Dabo, has resigned as the party’s caucus chairman in Dambatta Local Government Area and withdrawn his membership of the ruling party.
KANO FOCUS reports that Dabo, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), announced his resignation in a letter dated October 7, 2026, addressed to the APC chairman of Dambatta Gabas Ward.
In the letter, personally signed by him, Dabo said he took the decision after careful consideration of personal reasons and his future endeavours.
He confirmed his resignation during a telephone conversation from Abuja on Wednesday, saying he had formally submitted the letter to the appropriate party officials in Dambatta for necessary action.
“I remain grateful for the cordial relationship I enjoyed and appreciative of the experience gained during my time of service,” he said.
The former NPA managing director also thanked the party’s leadership for the opportunity and confidence reposed in him to contribute to its development and progress during his membership.
“I sincerely appreciate the support and opportunity I have received from the party leadership,” he added.
A statement issued by Abdullahi Othman, Media and Publicity Aide to Dabo Dabo, said the former NPA MD did not disclose further details about his reasons for leaving the APC in the resignation letter.
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