A professor of microbiology, Abimbola Owoseni has declared support for Nigerian herbs as efficient methods of combating diseases as microorganisms resistance to antibiotics continue to rise.
Prof Owoseni during an inaugural lecture in Iwo declared that ‘Tewe-Tegbo’ is real but requires more research and government attention.
In a lecture entitled, Microorganisms: Invincibility in invisibility, the professor explained that the misuse and overuse of antibiotics because of its availability and easy access have made most of the organisms in the environment develop resistant to the antibiotics thereby causing low or no effects in disease treatment.
“Antibiotic resistance can be considered to be an inevitable consequence of antibiotic use.
“Injudicious use of antibiotics is a major factor facilitating the emergence of resistance worldwide. In Nigeria, the availability of antibiotics over the counter’ or via the internet allows unrestricted access to these drugs.
“Once resistance has emerged, subsequent dissemination of resistant strains is facilitated by the selection pressure exerted by further antibiotic use, failure to adhere to infection control measures, and poor hygiene which can occur both within and outside healthcare settings.”
She cautioned against unprescribed use of antibiotics. Stressing that healthcare providers should run adequate tests before prescribing it.
Speaking on scientific research, Prof Owoseni called on government to include private universities in its research grants to ensure robust scientific innovation for national interest.
The university Don however said it is more important to prevent infection via the culture of hand washing and provision of potable water.
The vice chancellor of Bowen University, Prof Jonathan Babalola wants government to take a leap from the paper to tackle antimicrobial resistance.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a major threat to global health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it as one of the top 10 global public health threats confronting humanity.
According to global research on antimicrobial resistance, 4.95 million people who died globally in 2019 suffered from drug-resistant infections with 263,400 deaths associated with AMR in Nigeria alone.
Experts have warned that poor sanitation, air and water pollution as well as lax infection control will continue to increase antimicrobial resistance and make antibiotics useless in treatment of diseases.
