Fighting Resistance With Data: Leveraging Digital Surveillance to Address Antibiotic Misuse in Nigeria

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a growing public health challenge in Nigeria. The pervasive misuse of antibiotics, insufficient regulatory frameworks, and inadequate surveillance systems exacerbate this issue. The existing methods for antibiotic monitoring are fragmented and inefficient, hindering the ability to detect real-time resistance patterns. This review delves into the role of digital surveillance technologies in combating AMR, taking advantage of electronic medical records (EMRs), mobile health (mHealth) applications, AI-powered analytics, and cloud-based databases to enhance data collection, prescription tracking, and policy interventions. Research conducted in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including India and Kenya, demonstrates digital tools' efficacy in addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Despite these advantages, Nigeria continues to face significant challenges related to data privacy, infrastructure limitations, financial sustainability, and a digital divide between urban and rural regions. Addressing these limitations requires implementing strategic investments in health technology, establishing robust regulatory frameworks, and fostering multi-sectoral collaboration among government agencies, private sector stakeholders, healthcare institutions, and research organisations. In this review, we strongly advocate for an approach that integrates a data-driven antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance system, facilitating real-time monitoring and policy-driven strategies. Nigeria can enhance antibiotic stewardship, mitigate resistance, and protect public health by evolving into a robust digital health ecosystem.