Regina Otokpa 
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says it has recorded at least 67 confirmed cases of Mpox in 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
At a news conference in Abuja yesterday, DirectorGeneral Jide Idris said Lassa fever, cerebrospinal meningitis, yellow fever and diphtheria have killed 693 people since the beginning of the year.
A breakdown of the figure indicated that 216 people died of cholera, Lassa fever killed 168, with 309 people killed by diphtheria, and yellow fever claimed two lives. Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) killed 361.
Idris raised concerns over the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) pandemic which was becoming a major health challenge in the country, surpassing malaria, HIV and TB.
According to him, overuse and misuse of antibiotics in human and animal health; unnecessary use of antibiotics; using antibiotics without a prescription; and using too many antibiotics in farming were some of the drivers of AMR.
Others are poor Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in communities, health facilities, farms, and abattoirs, as well as limited surveillance systems for tracking AMR trends and poor awareness among health workers, policymakers, and the public.
He said: “For instance, 64,500 deaths were attributable to AMR, while 263,400 deaths were associated with AMR in the period under review. “Nevertheless, we have engaged in raising AMR awareness, education, understanding, and behavioural change among all relevant stakeholders, and also incorporate AMR education into health worker training programmes.
“Several programmes are in place to help Doc – tors and Nurses prescribe antibiotics only when nec – essary, reducing the chance of resistance developing.”
The NCDC chief added; “To prevent the spread of Mpox, we strongly advise the public to avoid contact with animals that may carry the virus, including sick or dead animals in affected areas.”
