Poor regulations, ignorance, fueling anti-microbial resistance in Nigeria – Prof Junaid

Surajudeen A. Junaid, a professor of medical microbiology with specialty in virology in the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) has identified poor regulations and ignorance as causes of anti-microbial resistance in Nigeria, urging authorities to rectify the anomalies.

According to Junaid, three fundamental, interrelated factors fuel the microbial comeback, saying that people were abandoning the countryside for life in the city, leading to rapid, unplanned urban expansions.

He said: “In crowded conditions with limited access to health care and poor sanitation, pathogens like ebola, zika and influenza enjoy lush opportunities to spread.”

Junaid cautioned that with more infections mingling, “there are also more opportunities for pathogens to share their virulence genes.”

Junaid, who is the Deputy Provost of College of Medicine and pioneer dean of the Faculty of Allied Health Science, made spoke while delivering his professorial inaugural, the 20th in the institution.

Junaid’s inaugural lecture was titled: “Tales of Man’s Travails and Triumphs as the Battle with Viruses Rages on.”

The event was held a the MIS Multi-Purpose Hall, Permanent Site Campus of the University.

The medical microbiology expert, observed that “since we can rarely develop drugs and vaccines fast enough to fight dangerous diseases, early detection will be key moving forward.”

The professor of medical microbiology recommended that for the fight against dreaded viruses to be sustained, “we must remember to indulge in lifestyles that do not weaken our immune systems.”

He said that training and retraining of health workers and increase in access to vaccine will go along way in addressing problems associated with viruses.

Junaid also said that “we must keep a consistent regime of routine medical checks and religiously follow treatment protocols.”

The Vice-Chancellor of FULafia, Professor Shehu Abdul Rahman, earlier in his address, congratulated Junaid for been the first professor to present inaugural lecture from the college of medicine.

Abdul Rahman, while applauding Junaid for his contributions to the development of microbiology, described him “as a very hardworking academic who is currently demonstrating excellent performance in his capacity as the Dean of Allied Health Science and Head of Department of Medical Laboratory Science in this University.”

Welcoming the participants to the occasion, Prof. Josephine Odey, the Chairman of the Inaugural Lecture Committee of the University, said that Junaid’s contributions to the body of knowledge have added value not only to the students but to humanity at large.

The lecture was attended by well-wishers and dignitaries including the the Registrar of the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science, Dr. G. C. Okara, the President, Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, Manason Rubainu, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Nassarawa State, Garba M. Rosha, Ag. Provost, Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Science, (FCVMLT) Vom, Plateau State, Registrar, FCVMLT, Vom, Deputy Provost, College of Agric. Ĺafia, Dr. Peter Aboki, the Chairman, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, (AMLSN) Nassarawa State Branch, John Bogwilas, Chairman and members, AMLSN Plateau State Branch, Pankshin Old Boys Association (POBA set ’87), Medical Laboratory Science Students of FULafia, and staff of the college of medicine who were uniquely dressed at the event.

The occasion climaxed with the presentation of certificate, plaque and gift to Junaid by Abdul Rahman.