Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Enugu State Government and the Health Focus Diagnostics Nigeria (HFDN), a Non-Governmental Organization, have affirmed commitment to accurate diagnosis, responsible antibiotic use, and stronger public health systems in the state.
The partnership was highlighted at a symposium hosted by HFDN in Enugu.
The event with the theme: “Combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR): The need for accurate diagnosis,” was attended by 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 was vital in addressing antimicrobial resistance which has become a threat against modern medicine and public health.
She noted that, AMR compromised the ability to treat infections, threatens maternal health, cancer therapy, and even safe surgeries.
Reiprich said that the symposium reflected the commitment to, not just diagnostics but to public health advocacy and scientific collaboration.
According to her, the event would foster knowledge exchange, strengthen partnerships, and promote solutions that emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis in guiding treatment.
The Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ikechukwu Obi, represented by Dr. Hyginus Onuigbo, praised the collaboration and highlighted 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, delivered a lecture on the urgency of AMR, warning 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.
