We Need More Molecular Diagnostic Laboratories In Nigeria, Says Varsity Don

By Raphael Okhiria

A University Don, Prof. Dennis Agbonlahor has called for the establishment of more molecular diagnostic laboratories across the nation to ensure quick detection of emerging tropical diseases of epidemic and pandemic.

Prof. Agbonlahor made the call at the Maiden Lecture Series titled Emerging and Resurging Epidemic/Pandemic-Prone Diseases Caused by Pathogenic Microbes and Superbugs of Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Edo University Iyamho.

Prof. Agbonlahor, former Vice Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, said only 25 functional molecular diagnostic laboratories is in the country out of the 40 established during COVID 19 outbreak.

“There is urgent need to encourage the establishment of public and private networks of molecular diagnostic laboratories across the nation. These laboratories will help to ensure very quick detection of the causative agents and containment of these emerging tropical diseases of epidemic and pandemic proportions”.

“How can we cope as a nation if we are suddenly confronted by the emergence of a new deadly super virus as Nigeria can only boast of an abysmally few functional molecular diagnostic laboratories”, he asked.

The former VC noted that about 25 with three from Edo that have managed to remain functional after their hurried establishments across the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As long as this nation remains endemic for most of these diseases, Nigeria will continue to witness increasing burden of emerging and resurging epidemic and pandemic-prone disease outbreaks,” Agbonlahor stated.

The guest Lecturer further stated that Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when the pathogens (bacterial, viruses or fungi) that cause infections resist the effect of the medicines used to treat them.

According to him “Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a major threat to global health and constitutes an on-going global pandemic.

“AMR is one of the top ten global public health threats confronting mankind as AMR occurs when the pathogens (bacterial, viruses or fungi) that cause infection resist the effect of the medicines used to treat them.

According to him, globally, an estimated 4.95 million deaths were associated with drug-resistant infections, with 1.27 million of these deaths occurring annually.

He added that sub saharan african bears a disproportionate burden, accounting for 24% of these deaths, largely due to limited access to effective treatment and diagnosis.

“The key contributing factors to AMR in the region include: overuse and misuse of antibiotics, poor infection control in healthcare settings, Limited access to innovative diagnostics and treatments,” he said

The Don however called for the continues sensitisation about the dangers of AMR and its preventive measures against development of AMR/Superbugs

“Healthcare providers have guidelines to follow to help prevent antimicrobial resistance.These include: Handwashing, Disinfecting surfaces.

“Only prescribing antibiotics for bacterial infections, sterilizing medical devices, screening patients and visitors to healthcare facilities.

Earlier, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dawood Egbefo said the lecture is timely to address the critical need for interdisciplinary collaboration in the fight against infectious diseases.

Prof. Egbefo said the fight against infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance requires concerted effort from researchers, healthcare providers, policy makers and communities.

“The rapid mutation of pathogens and the growing menace of antimicrobial resistance make it imperative for us to not only improve our understanding of these microbes, but also to innovate in terms of prevention, treatment and control strategies.

He said the Faculty of Applied Health Science is proud to be at the forefront of this effort as today’s lecture serves as an important milestone in our commitment to advancing health sciences research and education.

“We are privileged to have him share his insights with us today as we examine the complex nature of these emerging diseases and the ongoing battle against Superbugs that threaten public health worldwide,” Egbefo said.

Highpoint of the event was the unveiling of the lecture series textbook by Dr. Osifo Osagie, the Bursar of the institution.

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