Pharmacists Demand Lab Investment to Fight Drug Resistance

On Wednesday, Moshood Lawal, a clinic pharmacist, urged for urgent investment in standard laboratories equipped with 24-hour power supply to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Nigeria. Speaking to journalists during the graduation of fellows from the UK-Africa Leadership Fellowship in antimicrobial stewardship at Babcock University, Lawal highlighted the unacceptable state of medical laboratories across the country.

He noted that many laboratories do not meet required standards and often lack reliable energy sources, which leads to sample deterioration. Lawal stressed that effective antimicrobial stewardship cannot function without reliable laboratory systems to determine the exact drugs needed for patient management.

He also pointed out that misuse and overuse of antimicrobials without adherence to guidelines contribute to the growing threat of AMR, which has become a significant global health challenge. The event also featured remarks from Prof. Titu Oyedel and representatives from the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, who commended the fellowship program for strengthening healthcare systems.