Study links gender to antimicrobial resistance in Nigeria

A new study has revealed that gender roles and social norms influence the causes, burden, and workforce responses to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Nigeria.

It also provides fresh evidence to inform equitable health policy.
The study titled, “Through a Gender Lens: A Scoping Review of Gendered Experiences of AMR Causes, Burden, and Workforce in Nigeria,” was made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Friday in Abuja.
It was conducted by a multidisciplinary team of Nigerian scientists and public health experts.

They include Estelle Mbadiwe, a Pharmacist, Ducit Blue Solutions; Ayodele Majekodunmi; Kikiope Oluwarore; Mabel Ajumobi; Dooshima Kwange, and Mwapu Ndahi.

The scoping review analysed 47 peer-reviewed studies and revealed that women and men experienced AMR differently, from their risk of exposure to antibiotics, access to treatment, and participation in the AMR workforce and decision-making.

One of the study contributors, Mrs Mbadiwe, said that in a world facing rising AMR threats, ignoring gender dimensions is not an option.

“Our findings show that while women are disproportionately exposed to antibiotics, often through caregiving roles, they are underrepresented in AMR leadership and policymaking,” she said.

She said that the review reflected that women were more likely to be responsible for administering antibiotics in households and managing infections in children, livestock, and elderly family members.

The contributor, however, said women faced barriers to accessing professional healthcare or being heard in the health policy space.

Mrs Mbadiwe said that the study also explained the need to apply a ‘One Health approach’.

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According to her, that includes women in health system planning, recognised gendered roles in antibiotic use, and strengthened women’s leadership in AMR response.

READ ALSO: How Nigeria is tackling Antimicrobial Resistance – NCDC chief

“This work challenges us to build more inclusive systems that recognise the intersection between gender, care work, and health equity,” she said.

Health policy experts said that these insights came at a crucial time as Nigeria sought to strengthen its National Action Plan on AMR, in alignment with global efforts led by the World Health Organisation and its Gender Equality Strategy.

The authors urged policymakers to integrate gender-disaggregated data into AMR surveillance; improve women’s access to health information and services.

They also call for the support of female health professionals involved in AMR control at all levels.

NAN reports that the study contributes to advancing gender equity in health and informs future AMR strategies, research funding, and leadership development in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

(NAN)