NCDC, partners, engage school children in spelling competition

THE Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and its partners on Wednesday engaged secondary school children in Abuja in a spelling bee competition to educate them on antimicrobial resistance.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is the ability of a microorganism (like bacteria, viruses and some parasites) to stop an antimicrobial (such as antibiotics) from working against it, thereby leading to spread of infection.

Mr Joshua Obasanya, the Director, Prevention and programme Coordination, NCDC, said that the competition was a way to enlighten and educate children on antimicrobial resistance.

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Obasanya said the competition, with the theme “Misuse of Antibiotics Puts Us All at Risk”, is part of activities to mark the National Antibiotics Awareness Week (NAAW).

He stressed the need to protect and preserve the current antibiotics that we have for future generations.

He added that collaborative effort of everybody was needed to combat the menace of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Nigeria.

“We are engaging the children to become ambassadors of AMR, this competition today will equip them with the necessary knowledge to enable them spread the message to their classmates, family and friends,’’ he said.

Ms Estelle Mbadiwe, the Chief Executive Officer, Ducit Blue Solutions, a health consulting firm, said that the competition was aimed at educating and sensitising children on AMR.

Mbadiwe said that at the end of the competition the children would become AMR guardians and spread the message across to others.

She noted that misuse of antibiotics puts everybody at risk while stressing that infection can be prevented through regular hand washing practice, avoiding contacts with sick people and keeping vaccination up to date.

She also emphasised the need for proper waste disposal and optimal sanitary conditions.