Enugu State Government and Health Focus Diagnostics Nigeria (HFDN) have partnered to combat the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), affirming their commitment to accurate diagnosis, responsible antibiotic use and stronger public health systems in the state.
This was disclosed at a one-day symposium by HFDN at its state-of-the-art medical facility in Independence Layout, Enugu.
Themed, “Combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR): The need for accurate diagnosis,” the event drew health professionals, policymakers, researchers and students from across the state.
In her address, the Director of HFDN, Dr. Gerlinde Reiprich, said the partnership with the Enugu State Government is vital in addressing antimicrobial resistance, which has become a threat to modern medicine and public health.
She said: “AMR compromises our ability to treat infections, threatens maternal health, cancer therapy and even safe surgeries. This symposium reflects our commitment to not just diagnostics but to public health advocacy and scientific collaboration.”
She added that the event would foster knowledge exchange, strengthen partnerships and promote solutions that emphasise the importance of accurate diagnosis in guiding treatment.
Dr. Hyginus Onuigbo, who represented the Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ikechukwu Obi, praised the collaboration and highlighted the ongoing investments by the state in healthcare infrastructure and manpower.
“New hospitals are being built across the hinterlands and more health workers are being employed to strengthen service delivery. The Enugu State Government is ready to support Health Focus Diagnostics fully in this fight against antimicrobial resistance,” he said.
A medical microbiologist and Technical Advisor at HFDN, Dr. Abraham Alabi, warned that if global action was not scaled up, 10 million people could die annually from untreatable infections by 2050.
“The essence of this workshop is to raise awareness among doctors, nurses and students, and to showcase the capacity we have here at HFDN to address antimicrobial resistance,” he said.
The symposium featured panel discussions and expert sessions on accurate diagnosis, antimicrobial stewardship and innovative technologies for preventing and treating infections. Participants were drawn from the medical, academic and policy communities, all committed to a united front against AMR.
Organisers said the event would produce actionable recommendations to boost AMR surveillance, promote responsible antibiotic use and strengthen collaboration between diagnostic centres and government agencies.