Reported by: Ijeoma .G | Edited by: Henry Owen
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has continued its national effort to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with a monitoring visit to the Disease-Resistant African Dwarf Sheep Blood Production site at the University of Ibadan’s Veterinary Microbiology Laboratory.
The NCDC delegation, led by the Head of the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Division, visited the facility to assess the project’s progress, identify operational challenges, and ensure the timely completion of key deliverables. The initiative forms part of the Nigeria Component of the Canada Global AMR Innovation Fund (NiCaDe AMR Subproject)—a collaborative effort to strengthen Nigeria’s surveillance, laboratory, and research capacities against AMR.
Nigeria, like many countries, faces growing concerns over antimicrobial resistance — a phenomenon where disease-causing microorganisms become resistant to drugs such as antibiotics and antivirals. This has been worsened by decades of drug misuse, weak infection control systems, and limited laboratory infrastructure. The NCDC has, in recent years, made combating AMR a national health priority, developing the National Action Plan for AMR (2017–2022) and launching surveillance projects across both human and animal health sectors.
The University of Ibadan project specifically focuses on developing disease-resistant African Dwarf Sheep and producing biological materials that can enhance research into animal health and resistance mechanisms. Such initiatives are seen as critical to Nigeria’s “One Health” strategy — which links human, animal, and environmental health to reduce the spread of resistant pathogens.
Officials at the Veterinary Microbiology Laboratory noted that the collaboration with NCDC has improved laboratory capacity, strengthened local expertise, and positioned the institution as a key partner in national AMR surveillance efforts. However, they also cited the need for sustained funding, better logistics, and consistent government support to maintain research continuity.
The NCDC, in its remarks, reaffirmed its commitment to working with Nigerian research institutions, veterinary experts, and international partners to implement practical and sustainable solutions to the AMR crisis.
Experts emphasize that continued awareness, prudent use of antibiotics, and stronger laboratory networks remain essential to curbing the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance across Nigeria’s public health system.
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