Minister raises the alarm over drug-resistant infections in Nigeria

Nigeria’s Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, has raised alarm over the growing threat of drug-resistant infections, describing it as a “silent pandemic” that could undermine the nation’s progress in disease control and treatment.

Speaking in Abuja on Monday during the 10th anniversary celebration of the Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh (DRASA) Health Trust, Pate cautioned that Nigeria must shift from a reactive to a proactive approach in public health preparedness.

“The rising threat of drug-resistant infections is a silent pandemic,” he said.

“We must prepare and act now because crises can strike at any time.

“The lessons from Ebola and COVID-19 are clear — every naira invested in infection prevention, hygiene, and antimicrobial resistance control saves many more in treatment and economic loss.”

Represented by Dr. Nse Akpan, Director of Port Health Services, the minister paid glowing tribute to Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh, whose courageous action during the 2014 Ebola outbreak prevented a national tragedy.

“Ten years ago, Nigeria faced the grave threat of Ebola.

“We remember Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh with profound respect for her bravery and sacrifice, which embodied the highest ideals of medical professionalism and national service,” he said.

“Through DRASA’s work, her legacy lives on as a movement for disease prevention and health security.”

Pate noted that infectious disease outbreaks such as cholera continue to pose serious challenges, worsened by poor sanitation, unsafe waste disposal, and weak infection control practices.

“It is time to ensure universal health coverage and sustainable improvement in public health practices,” he warned.

“If we fail to strengthen infection control in hospitals, promote responsible use of antibiotics, and expand hygiene education in schools, we risk undermining the very foundation of modern medicine.”

The minister commended DRASA’s decade-long partnership with the government and health institutions, acknowledging its role in advancing infection prevention and control (IPC) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) strategies nationwide.

“For much of the past decade, DRASA has helped us meet our targets in building sustainable systems,” he said.

“Their technical support aligns with national and state priorities, and they have mobilised nearly 100,000 health champions across communities, schools, and health facilities.”

He praised DRASA for being a trusted government partner that ensures interventions are not fragmented but integrated into Nigeria’s broader health system.

In her remarks, Niniola Williams, DRASA’s Managing Director and niece of the late Dr. Adadevoh, reflected on the organisation’s journey and impact over the past decade.

“In July 2014, amid fear and uncertainty, my aunt made a decision that protected Nigeria and the world from what could have been a major public health disaster,” she said.

“Her courage and sacrifice inspired DRASA’s creation — a foundation committed to protecting others through public health action.”

Williams disclosed that DRASA has established 13 public health response systems at Nigeria’s airports, seaports, and land borders, and activated cross-border health forums with Benin and Niger Republic to strengthen regional disease surveillance.

She added that the Trust has supported the development of 28 national and sub-national public health policies, helping to strengthen infection prevention, hygiene, and health security nationwide.

Looking ahead, Williams unveiled DRASA’s new 10-year strategic plan, which aims to train and certify 50,000 additional health workers in IPC, expand its Health Champions Network to 500,000 members, and establish Centres of Excellence across all six geopolitical zones to drive innovation, training, and research.

Public health leaders, including Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Assistant Director-General at the World Health Organization (WHO), and Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), commended DRASA for its pivotal contributions to Nigeria’s health security and resilience.