The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has highlighted significant challenges in Nigeria's flagship REACH program that aims to reduce child mortality, citing drug approval delays and concerns over antimicrobial resistance.
The Interim Director of the Foundation’s Nigeria Country Office, Uche Amaonwu, disclosed this at the 2024 Reach Network Annual Regional Meeting on Tuesday. abujaFederal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria.
The Reach initiative – Resilience through Azithromycin in Children – is a major public health intervention in sub-Saharan Africa, using biennial doses of azithromycin to reduce infant and under-five mortality in high-risk areas. Takes advantage of.
However, the foundation said that logistical constraints were hindering the effectiveness of the program.
“Public issues, such as delays in drug sourcing and clearing, have presented hurdles along the way. But every challenge has also been an opportunity for innovation and improvement. We will appreciate the priority of the Coordinating Minister to obtain the necessary approvals to clear the donated Azithromycin throughout the duration of the programme,” Mr Amaonwu.
He urged coordination with Nigeria Health and Social Welfare Minister, Muhammad Pate, to expedite the approvals required to clear the donated azithromycin shipment.
In addition to logistical setbacks, the Gates Foundation stressed the critical need for continued monitoring of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
As the use of azithromycin increases, there is concern over potential resistance that could compromise the long-term benefits of mass drug administration (MDA).
“AMR surveillance is embedded in the SARMAN project and remains a top priority,” Mr. Amaonwu said, referring to the safety of large-scale administration of azithromycin and antimicrobial resistance in the Nigeria initiative, which aims to identify life-saving interventions with public health risks. Have to balance.
Achievements amid challenges
Despite these challenges, he said the REACH program has made significant progress.
Since its inception, Nigeria has administered more than 1.3 million doses of azithromycin to children aged one to 11 months in six states – Abia, Akwa Ibom, Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto – achieving a 97 percent coverage rate. Is.
He said this success highlights the feasibility of large-scale MDA efforts in Nigeria's complex health landscape, and Amaonwu credited local partnerships and integration with existing health programs such as polio eradication and seasonal malaria chemoprevention for the achievement.
According to him, the second phase of the programme, SARMAN II, which began in April, has reached about 1.2 million children in additional states including Adamawa, Gombe, Kaduna and Katsina.
The project is expected to run until 2027, further strengthening Nigeria's efforts to reduce child mortality.
asks for support
Mr Amaonwu stressed the need for continued collaboration and government support to maintain the momentum.
“While we have made meaningful progress, it is paramount to sustain these efforts,” he said, calling on Nigerian health authorities to prioritize the rapid clearance of donated drugs and commit to advancing AMR research to address potential resistance threats. Called to happen.
As sub-Saharan Africa continues to face high child mortality rates, the Gates Foundation reiterated its commitment to the Reach initiative, urging stakeholders to collaborate in overcoming the challenges and ensuring that every child has the right to a healthy life. Get a chance.
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(TagstoTranslate)Nigeria Country Office of the Foundation(T)Gates Foundation(T)Logistics(T)Muhammad Pate(T)Nigeria(T)Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare of Nigeria(T)REACH Initiative(T)Uche Amaonwu
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