Headlines
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
Headlines
Education Renaissance: Governor Yusuf to Boost Learning and Safety in Kano’s Public Schools
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of education in Kano’s public schools, with a particular focus on upgrading infrastructure and creating a conducive learning environment.
This was contained in a statement issued by governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Friday.
Speaking during a visit to Governor’s College on Thursday, Governor Yusuf inspected newly delivered furniture and instructional materials provided by the Ministry of Education.
He noted that these efforts are part of a broader initiative to revitalize public primary, junior, and secondary schools across the state, reversing the deteriorating state of the education sector.
The Governor was warmly received by enthusiastic students, teachers, and staff at the college, where he promised swift reforms aimed at strengthening the academic experience and preparing students for a bright future.
He also expressed pride in the improvements made at the school and announced plans to further enhance the capacity of the teaching staff.
Governor Yusuf revealed that his administration is set to construct a pedestrian bridge near the College, along Ibrahim Taiwo Road, to ensure student safety and prevent accidents.
Governor Yusuf reiterated his administration’s determination to tackle the challenges facing the education sector, promising that the declared state of emergency in education would result in significant progress and the restoration of Kano’s educational prestige.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KSCHMA) has recorded 37% increase in number of its enrolees in the last 15 months.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Executive Secretary of the Agency Dr. Rahila Aliyu Mukhtar revealed this during a consultative engagement with organised labour on how to improve the healthcare service in the scheme.
She explained that, the primary services accessed by the enrolees under the scheme from 2022 to second quarter of 2024 stands at 1,852,485, while secondary healthcare services accessed stands at 28, 932 across the engaged healthcare providers.
In his remark, the Commissioner State Ministry of Health Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf assured government support and commitment toward the successful implementation of the scheme and general improvement of healthcare services.
On his part, the State Head of Service Alhaji Abdullahi Musa said Kano state government government attached priority attention to the welfare of workers, adding that, the Contributory Healthcare scheme was not meant for workers alone but all residents of Kano.
He also solicited the support and cooperation of labour unions in order to move KSCHMA to greater height.
Also speaking the chairman Nigeria labour Congress (NLC) Kano state council Comrade Kabiru Inuwa, said that, the union being the major contributor of the scheme would not fold it arms while their members suffered in accessing the needed care.
He reiterated their commitment to ensure that their members received what they deserved by the healthcare providers.
Highlight of the event include paper presentation and group work on implementation of the scheme; challenges and recommendation.
A statement sent to KANO FOCUS by the public relations officer of the agency Nura Muhammad Yusuf said the workshop was conducted with support from FCDO Lafiya.
Aminu Abdullahi
The United Nations Children’s Fund has trained over 40 educational stakeholders under the Educational and Youth Empowerment Project (EYE).
KANO FOCUS reports that the participants undergone two day training on school safety, security, and climate literacy to ensure effective teaching and learning as well as safety of schools in the North West.
The state education facilitator of EU EYE, Aisha Abdullahi, said that the programme is funded by the European Union and supported by UNICEF, while the education partners such as the federal and state ministry of education, SUBEB, and other education stakeholders implemented the program.
She explained that the two-day programme is to train EYE teachers from various local governments and schools who will step down the training to their colleagues on school safety.
On his part, Cacsar Akuduke Executive Director of Talents in Children Promotion, said a lot of schools are not safe, and the program tends to address the shortcomings, building more knowledge and awareness among the stakeholders in education in the provision of the necessary guidelines as contained in the minimal standard for safe schools.
He added that although there are no cases of violence or serious attacks in schools in Kano State, the training will assist the participants with precautionary measures.
In his message, the Kano State Commissioner of Education, Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa, who was represented by the Director of Education Support Services, Hajiya Halima Sadiyya Tukur, said that their efforts have significantly and vividly improved access to quality education for many children, particularly those in underserved communities by addressing challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, teacher training, and gender disparities in education, adding that UNICEF has helped in creating a brighter future for these young learners.
The commissioner said the positive changes resulting from government initiatives will undoubtedly have a long-term effect on the lives of children and the overall development of the state.
He corroborated that their commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive is commendable.
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