The Governor state of osun, Mr adegboyega oyetola has charged all stake holders in the health sector to rise up and join the global struggle to combat the misuse of antibiotics among the citizenry. The governor gave the charge in Oshogbo at the inauguration ceremony of Osun Antimicrobial Resistance Action Committee and multi sectoral symposium with the theme Stewards for the Future :Stop Overuse and Misuse of Antibiotics.
The Governor who was represented by his Special Adviser on Public Health, Pharm. (Dr) Olasiji Olamiju said antimicrobial resistance is a serious public health challenge that require joint effort to combat adding that the state cannot afford to be static when the whole world has gone dynamic concerning the menace.
Mr. Oyetola stated that his wishes for the good health of all osun people is second to none pointing out that this promoted his government to embark on revitalisation and refurbishment of 342 public health center across the state with the believe that a health soul is a wealthy soul.
He specifically tasked professionals in the health sector, to be more proactive and be abreast of the current trend at reducing the misuse of antibiotics in the discharge of their duties by stepping up enlightenment and awareness campaign.
He then pledged his government unalloyed support to the committee in their effort to reduce the menace adding that they will be call upon every 3 month to give their stewardship.
Also speaking at the event the Commissioner for Health,Dr Rafiu Usamotu enjoined the citizenry not to use any antibiotics without getting doctor’s prescription no matter how highly placed they might be.
He urged the students present at the symposium who were randomly pick from across the state to educate their parents on the dangers of engaging in self medication and misuse use of antibiotics.
Lending his voice at the event,the Executive Secretary of the Osun Health Insurance Scheme,who is also the secretary of the newly inaugurated committee said his agency is doing is best to address poverty among the people saying that OHIS came into being specifically to ensure that people get adequate health care without taking money from their pocket.
Members of the committee include Prof.Dipo Aboderin, Dr.Niyi oginni, Pharm. Fasipe, Dr. Yomi Oni ,Dr Tanimowo, Mr Deji Adefila, Mrs.Abioye, Dr. A.T Adeyemo and Mr Ogunleye.
Highlight of the event was recit bation of the pledge to use antibiotics responsibly.
