Health
WHO Raises Alarm Over Antibiotics Production and Environmental Impact
WHO Raises Alarm Over Antibiotics Production and Environmental Impact....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The World Health Organization (WHO) has voiced serious concerns regarding the production of antibiotics in numerous countries, highlighting potential environmental hazards. In a groundbreaking move, WHO issued its first-ever recommendations aimed at ensuring the safe production of antibiotics.
According to the WHO statement released on Tuesday, a significant issue is the release of active substances from pharmaceutical factories into wastewater and the surrounding environment. This contamination can contribute to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which poses a grave threat to public health. When these bacteria infect humans, they often lead to infections that are difficult to treat due to limited effective treatment options.
Antibiotic resistance, a growing global concern, is also exacerbated by the overuse of antibiotics and the premature cessation of prescribed treatment cycles. WHO’s wastewater specialist, Kate Medlicott, emphasized that the new recommendations are specifically targeted at antibiotic producers. Medlicott urged regulatory authorities to impose stricter environmental standards when approving pharmaceutical production processes.
In addition to addressing production practices, WHO advocated for full transparency from pharmaceutical companies. This transparency would allow investors, buyers, and patients to better understand and appreciate the environmental protection measures taken by these companies.
Moreover, WHO advised that patients need better guidance on the proper disposal of unused antibiotics. The German Environment Ministry (BMUV) reinforced this advice, stating that medication residues should never be disposed of in toilets or sinks, as improper disposal contributes to environmental contamination.
In an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Professor Oyewale Tomori, a renowned virologist and disease control expert, highlighted the critical role of early laboratory diagnosis in preventing infectious diseases from spiraling into epidemics in Nigeria. He emphasized that accurate and timely community reporting and surveillance are the foundations upon which effective diagnosis relies.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Tomori explained that many infectious diseases, including viral and bacterial infections, exhibit similar symptoms, such as fever and body aches. Early detection is essential to preventing misdiagnosis and initiating a proper response. Without swift confirmation, diseases like yellow fever might be mistaken for malaria, leading to uncontrolled outbreaks. He pointed out that surveillance systems must be robust, with communities actively reporting cases as the first step in controlling disease spread.
When asked about the challenges faced in diagnosing diseases in Nigeria, Tomori addressed the issue of misallocated resources. He dismissed the idea that Nigeria is “resource-limited,” stating that resources are often wasted on unnecessary expenditures, such as lavish government processes, rather than prioritizing health and disease control. He called for a reordering of national priorities, advocating for better funding for disease surveillance and laboratory facilities.
Tomori also discussed how delays and incorrect diagnoses contribute significantly to the rapid spread of diseases. He cited the widespread misdiagnosis of typhoid as a prime example, noting that incorrect treatments often lead to ineffective responses and continued disease transmission.
On the role of technology, Tomori expressed optimism about the improvements in diagnostic methods, which have drastically reduced testing times. New advancements in genomics, he explained, have made laboratory tests more accurate and faster, significantly enhancing the ability to respond to outbreaks before they escalate.
Reflecting on successful cases, he pointed to the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Nigeria as an example of how early detection and swift isolation helped contain the disease. The country managed to stop the spread of Ebola, while West Africa, without timely intervention, saw a devastating epidemic.
To strengthen Nigeria’s diagnostic systems and prevent future epidemics, Tomori suggested establishing a well-coordinated national laboratory network. This would ensure that even the most remote areas of the country have access to proper diagnostic services and can effectively contribute to the early detection and control of infectious diseases.
The Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Muhammad Hamim Nuhu Sanusi, has reassured residents of Jigawa State that polio immunization is safe, firmly debunking long-held misconceptions suggesting the vaccine causes infertility.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking at the launch of a polio vaccination campaign in Jiba village, Dutse LGA—an area historically known for rejecting immunization—the monarch emphasized the importance of dispelling falsehoods surrounding the initiative. He stressed that the vaccine poses no harm and cited the example of his late father, Emir Muhammad Sanusi, who immunized his own children to build public trust.
He further explained that immunized women are often healthier and more capable of bearing children, contradicting widespread fertility myths.
Dr. Hassan Shuaibu Kwalam, Director of the Jigawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, highlighted the campaign’s goal to vaccinate two million children under five by month-end. He noted the urgency of boosting immunity amid lingering strains of the virus, despite Nigeria’s polio-free certification in 2013.
UNICEF’s representative, Dr. Lukman, also warned of recent resurgences, revealing that 18 new cases were reported in 2025 across nine states, including two in Jigawa. He emphasized the need to close vaccination gaps to prevent further outbreaks.
Despite the availability of anti-malaria medications and preventive measures, many Nigerians continue to suffer from recurring malaria attacks, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current treatments.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In 2023, Nigeria accounted for a staggering 27% of global malaria-related deaths, underscoring the country’s ongoing battle with the disease. This alarming statistic highlights the persistent nature of malaria in Nigeria, despite efforts to combat it through the distribution of drugs and public health initiatives.
On this World Malaria Day, experts are focusing on why malaria remains so widespread, even as treatments and preventive measures are accessible. The issue of treatment resistance, the prevalence of fake anti-malaria drugs in circulation, and inadequate health infrastructure are some of the factors contributing to the crisis.
During a special episode of Nigeria Daily, experts discussed how the persistence of malaria challenges the country’s health system and called for stronger measures to ensure the effective treatment and eradication of the disease. The episode further examined the role of both the government and private sectors in tackling malaria and improving public health outcomes.
With malaria continuing to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria, experts emphasized the importance of prioritizing comprehensive health strategies to address the root causes of the disease’s persistence.
-
latest8 months ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest2 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment2 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest2 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics2 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest2 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
Politics2 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges
-
latest2 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp