“The single greatest threat to human health in the 21st century is not a new virus, but the silent pandemic of antimicrobial resistance.”
— Dr. Margaret Chan, Former WHO Director-General
Last month, in this same column, we discussed the complex and sobering reality of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), a global health menace that’s gradually pulling humanity into a post-antibiotic era. The article titled “The Global Threat of AMR: Current Research and Solutions” explored how bacteria are evolving faster than our drugs and how modern medicine is standing on shaky ground.
But after the statistics, the scientific models, and the policy recommendations, one truth stood out like a sore thumb, if the general public remains uninformed and unengaged, the fight against AMR will be a losing battle. Today, we shift focus to a crucial front in this war: educating the public about responsible antibiotic use.
Antibiotics are lifesavers; no doubt. They transformed the world of medicine, turning previously deadly infections into minor health hiccups. But we’ve abused this gift.
You see, while we often talk about what doctors should or shouldn’t prescribe, we neglect the fact that demand and misuse at the consumer level drive a significant portion of irrational antibiotic use. From popping leftover amoxicillin for a sore throat to demanding ciprofloxacin for every bout of diarrhea, we, the public, unknowingly contribute to antibiotic resistance.
As Dr. Zainab Mutlaq, a Saudi Arabian Clinical Pharmacologist, said: “When patients misuse antibiotics, it’s like fanning the flames of a fire while standing in the house.” Understanding this makes it clear: public education is not optional; it’s a necessity. The community must not be passive recipients of antibiotics but informed stakeholders in antibiotic stewardship.
In communities across Nigeria, and much of Sub-Saharan Africa, there’s a dangerous trend: self-medication. In fact, a multi-country study found that more than 60% of antibiotics are bought without prescriptions in low and middle-income countries (WHO, 2020). Many believe antibiotics can treat viral infections like the common cold, flu, or even COVID-19. It is a grave misconception; and this misunderstanding isn’t helped by roadside chemists, unregulated patent medicine dealers, and even some private health practitioners who hand out antibiotics like sweets. “The most expensive antibiotic” says Author of Superbug, Dr. Maryn McKenna, “is the one used unnecessarily.”
Educational campaigns must debunk such myths.
The public must understand that:
> Antibiotics do not work against viruses.
> Not every fever or cough needs an antibiotic.
> Finishing the prescribed dose is critical, even when symptoms subside.
> Sharing leftover antibiotics is dangerous.
This sensitization, or should I say conscientization must reach both the urban elite and rural populations. Health communication must happen in clinics, churches, market squares, mosques, social media platforms, and even on popular radio shows.
It’s not enough to say “Don’t misuse antibiotics.” The message must resonate. Educators should use relatable language: Replace technical jargon with everyday terms. For example, instead of “antibiotic resistance,” say, “When medicine stops working against infection.”
Tell stories over statistics: People remember stories more than figures. Share real-life cases of patients who lost loved ones because the antibiotics no longer worked due to misuse.
Leverage trusted voices: Community leaders, religious figures, and local influencers must be recruited. They already have the ears of the people.
Infuse cultural context: In some cultures, not receiving drugs (especially injections or antibiotics) after seeing a doctor is seen as a sign of poor treatment. Public education must challenge and change these notions. Like my elderly Colleague, and veteran Virologist, Prof. Oyewale Tomori once said: “Culture eats public health strategy for breakfast. If you don’t address beliefs, your science won’t matter.”
Digital platforms are game-changers: Platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook are surprisingly effective in rural and peri-urban outreach. Health ministries and NGOs can push micro-content that busts myths and shares verified health tips.
It might sound ironic, but some healthcare professionals need to re-learn responsible prescribing.
In many primary health centers, broad-spectrum antibiotics are still the go-to for every patient with fever and body pain. This practice must stop. Continuing Medical Education (CME) for prescribers must emphasize antimicrobial stewardship. More so, pharmacists and Medical Laboratory Scientists should actively screen and educate clients before dispensing antibiotics. In the counsel of Dr. Abimbola Davies, Clinical Microbiologist, Lagos University Teaching Hospital: “Prescribers must become stewards, not salesmen.”
More so, education needs structure. Governments should:
— Mandate prescription-only antibiotic sales, enforcing existing pharmacy laws.
Integrate AMR education into school curricula from primary to tertiary levels.
— Fund local media campaigns that run continuously — not just on World Antibiotic Awareness Week.
— Support primary healthcare with diagnostic kits so infections are properly identified before drugs are given.
Finally, let’s be honest, how many of us have saved leftover antibiotics for “next time”? Or pressured our doctors into prescribing something “strong”? Or interrupted our drug course once we “felt better”?
We must unlearn these habits. Responsible antibiotic use starts with individuals. Each time we take antibiotics we don’t need, we may be helping breed a superbug that could one day harm someone we love. For Dr. Fauci, “Every unnecessary antibiotic you take is a vote for the enemy.”
May daylight spare us!
✍️Jude Eze
References
World Health Organization. (2020). Antimicrobial resistance: global report on surveillance. WHO.
McKenna, M. (2017). Big Chicken: The Incredible Story of How Antibiotics Created Modern Agriculture and Changed the Way the World Eats. National Geographic.
Tomori, O. (2021). Interview on cultural influence in AMR, Nigeria Health Watch.
Chan, M. (2016). Antimicrobial resistance: implications for global health and the role of the WHO. WHO Director-General Speech.
Davies, A. (2022). On Responsible Prescribing and Resistance. Nigerian Medical Journal, 18(4), 223–229.
