The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in collaboration with the Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh (DRASA) Health Trust, the Centre for Infection Control and Patient Safety (CICaPS), the University of Lagos, and the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), on Friday launched the SayAMR Language Hackathon to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through local languages.
Speaking at the event in Abuja, NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, described AMR as ‘one of the greatest health and development challenges of our time,’ warning that it threatens Nigeria’s health security, food safety, and economic stability. He said the hackathon aims to ‘make AMR relatable, memorable, and actionable in every Nigerian community’ by using local languages to communicate health risks.
‘When we communicate health messages in people’s own languages, we move from awareness to ownership,’ Idris said. ‘When a farmer or market woman can describe AMR in their own words, then we have truly begun to win the fight.’
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Managing Director of DRASA Health Trust, Ninola Williams, said the initiative builds on the legacy of Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh by empowering communities to prevent infections through awareness and language.
‘Prevention is not only about medicine or policy – it’s also about language. The way we talk about AMR will shape how we fight it, from our homes and hospitals to farms and markets,’ she said.
Professor Andrew Haruna, Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), said universities are proud to support the initiative, which bridges academia and public health.
‘By translating AMR concepts into our indigenous languages, this project makes vital health information understandable and actionable,’ Haruna stated.
Also speaking, Dr. Chavan Laxmikant, Technical Officer and One Health Coordinator at the World Health Organization (WHO), commended Nigeria for its innovative approach.
‘Antibiotic misuse is a major issue, and this initiative is one of the best ways to address it. AMR doesn’t respect borders – it starts in the community, and so must our response,’ he said.
The SayAMR Language Hackathon seeks to engage young Nigerians, linguists, and health advocates to create culturally relevant ways to communicate the dangers of antibiotic misuse, promoting local ownership of the fight against antimicrobial resistance.