Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is becoming an increasingly serious problem in Nigeria. The 2023‑2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey found that 14 % of men and 16 % of women aged 15–49 reported an STI or STI‑related symptoms in the past year. Stigma often drives people to self‑medicate, which worsens AMR. Misuse of antibiotics is a major contributor: a Nigeria Health Watch survey showed that nearly half of respondents obtained antibiotics from informal sources or self‑prescribed them, while 35.6 % purchased them from chemists or patent‑medicine vendors. Poor regulation of the drug supply chain has amplified resistance, with 72.4 % of community pharmacies and 89.3 % of patent‑medicine vendors selling antibiotics without a prescription.
Globally, more than one million people are newly infected each day with the four most curable STIs—syphilis, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and chlamydia. If inadequately treated, these infections can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and death. The report “Irresistible,” published by Impact Global Health, notes that the absence of an approved vaccine and limited effective treatments have turned drug‑resistant gonorrhea into a growing global threat.
To combat AMR in STIs, the report recommends strengthening antimicrobial stewardship, improving surveillance and diagnostics, securing sustainable funding, regulating antibiotic sales, and engaging communities. Nigeria has begun to address AMR through its One Health AMR National Action Plan 2.0, but more targeted actions are needed specifically for STIs. The World Health Organization advises clinicians to tailor treatment to a patient’s resistance profile, yet many low‑ and middle‑income countries lack the diagnostic tests required to identify resistance. Consequently, health workers often rely on local surveillance data or historical treatment patterns to choose therapies.
Globally, 164 products aimed at tackling AMR‑related STIs are under development, and 52 have already received approval, offering hope for the future. However, sustained effort is essential to ensure the proper use of new treatments and to prevent further spread of resistance. Nigeria stands at a critical juncture; with appropriate policies, investment, and community involvement, it can lead the way in safeguarding antimicrobials and saving lives.
Comments are closed for this story.