And How EHA Clinics is Fighting Back

If you've ever bought antibiotics from a chemist without seeing a doctor, you're not alone. Nearly half of educated Nigerians do it. If you've ever stopped taking antibiotics once you felt better, you're in good company, 70% of us have done the same.

But here's what most of us don't know: these seemingly harmless habits are fueling one of the greatest threats to public health in Nigeria today.
It's called Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). And it's time we talked about it.‍

What Is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) ?

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) happens when bacteria evolve to survive antibiotic treatments, making infections harder to treat. Misuse of antibiotics—like self-medication, incomplete courses, or unnecessary prescriptions—accelerates this crisis.

According to the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC):

  • Over 64,500 Nigerians died directly from antibiotic-resistant infections in 2021.
  • 263,400 deaths were associated with AMR.
  • The Nigerian economy lost nearly 7% of GDP due to AMR-related healthcare costs and productivity losses.

Antibiotics, once life-saving for conditions like urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and surgical site infections, are becoming less effective. Without responsible prescribing and patient education, routine infections could soon become life-threatening.

How Did Nigeria Reach This Crisis?

Several everyday practices are driving AMR in Nigeria:

1. Self-Medication

Got a fever? Buy Ampiclox. Sore throat? Grab some Amoxil. Nearly 48% of educated Nigerian adults self-medicate with antibiotics, often for conditions that don’t require them.

2. Stopping Antibiotics Early

When symptoms improve, many stop taking antibiotics or save the rest for later. This kills weaker bacteria but leaves stronger ones to multiply—creating more resistant strains.

3. Using Antibiotics for Viral Infections

Over 40% of Nigerians use antibiotics for colds, coughs, or diarrhea, yet most of these are caused by viruses, making antibiotics ineffective.

4. Relying on Chemists as Doctors

High healthcare costs and inconvenient access drive people to pharmacies for prescriptions. Without proper medical training, this practice contributes to the growth of superbugs..

Why Should You Care?

Because AMR doesn't discriminate. It affects all of us:

Simple infections become deadly. A urinary tract infection that once required a simple antibiotic course might now resist multiple treatments. What was once a minor inconvenience becomes a medical emergency.

Surgery becomes riskier. From cesarean sections to appendectomies, surgeons rely on antibiotics to prevent infections. When antibiotics fail, even routine surgeries carry life-threatening risks.

Treatment gets more expensive. Resistant infections require stronger, more expensive medications and longer hospital stays. What might have cost ₦5,000 to treat could now cost ₦500,000 or more.

Your children's future is at stake. Every time we misuse antibiotics today, we reduce the treatment options available for the next generation. We're literally borrowing from our children's future.

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How EHA Clinics is Combating AMR in Nigeria


At EHA Clinics, with locations in Abuja, Lagos, and Kano, we believe fighting AMR requires a shift from symptom management to solving health problems responsibly.

At EHA Clinics, we believe that solving the AMR crisis requires a complete shift in how we approach healthcare. We don't just treat symptoms—we solve health problems. And here's how we're doing it:

1.  Accurate Diagnosis, Every Time

We never guess. Before prescribing antibiotics, our doctors::

  • Take a comprehensive medical history
  • Conduct thorough physical examinations
  • Order laboratory tests when necessary
  • Confirm whether an infection is bacterial or viral

No assumptions. Just accurate, evidence-based diagnosis.

2. Antimicrobial Stewardship

We've implemented strict protocols to ensure antibiotics are only prescribed when absolutely necessary. Our healthcare professionals are trained to:

  • Identify when antibiotics are NOT needed
  • Choose the right antibiotic for the specific infection
  • Prescribe the correct dosage and duration
  • Monitor treatment effectiveness

This isn't just good medicine—it's responsible medicine.

3. Patient Education

Knowledge is the most powerful tool we have against AMR. That's why we take time to educate every patient:

  • Why they're receiving (or not receiving) antibiotics
  • How to take their medication correctly
  • Why completing the full course matters
  • When to return if symptoms don't improve

We believe informed patients make better health decisions.

4. Accessible Quality Care

We know that inconvenience drives self-medication.:To reduce self-medication, we provide:

  • Telehealth consultations for those who can't come to the clinic
  • Home care services for patients who need care at home
  • WhatsApp booking for quick, easy appointments
  • JCI-accredited clinics across Abuja, Lagos, and Kano

There's no excuse for guessing when professional care is this accessible.

5. Infection Prevention

The best way to fight AMR is to prevent infections in the first place. Our JCI-accredited facilities maintain world-class infection prevention and control standards:

  • Rigorous sterilization protocols
  • Strict hygiene practices
  • Clean, safe environments
  • Trained staff at every level

When you don't get infected, you don't need antibiotics. It's that simple.

6. Community Awareness

We're committed to changing the narrative around antibiotics in Nigeria. Through campaigns like AMR Awareness Week, health education programs, and partnerships with communities, we're spreading the message that proper antibiotic use is everyone's responsibility.

What You Can Do to Fight AMR Today

Fighting AMR starts with individual choices. Here's how you can be part of the solution:

✓ Stop self-medicating. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking antibiotics.

✓ Complete the  prescribed course. Even when you feel better, finish all antibiotics unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

✓ Prevent infections. Wash your hands regularly, stay up-to-date with vaccinations, practice food safety, and maintain good hygiene.

✓ Never share antibiotics. What worked for you might not work for someone else—and could make their situation worse.

✓ Ask questions. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, ask why. If they don't, ask what you should do instead.

✓ Spread the word. Share what you've learned with family and friends. The more people who understand AMR, the better we can fight it.

The Bottom Line

Antimicrobial resistance is not someone else's problem. It's not a future threat. It's here, now, affecting Nigerian families every single day.

But here's the good news: we can still turn this around. With proper diagnosis, responsible prescribing, patient education, and community awareness, we can protect the antibiotics we have and preserve them for future generations.

At EHA Clinics, we're committed to being part of the solution. Not just through our clinical practices, but through every interaction with every patient. Because we believe that quality healthcare isn't just about treating illness—it's about empowering people to make informed decisions about their health.

The theme for this year's AMR Awareness Week is clear: "Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future."

The question is: will you act?

Ready to experience healthcare done right?

Visit EHA Clinics in Abuja, Lagos, or Kano. Book a telehealth consultation. Send us a WhatsApp message. However you choose to reach us, we're here to provide the quality, JCI-accredited care you and your family deserve.

📞 WhatsApp: 0909 399 5002
🌐 Website: www.eha.ng
 📍 Locations: Abuja | Lagos | Kano

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