The impact of the exodus of big pharmaceutical companies from Nigeria on antimicrobial resistance in the West African subregion

The departure of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Sanofi from Nigeria, a major source of antimicrobial drug supply in West Africa, could increase the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the country and the West Africa subregion. AMR emerges when a once-effective antimicrobial substance loses its ability to combat susceptible microorganisms. Nigeria remains a major source of antibiotic supply to other West African countries, but the availability of these drugs is currently being jeopardized by the exodus of these big pharmaceutical companies. The exodus of these companies may result in a decline in access to quality drugs and an increase in the sales of substandard antibiotics across the subregion, leading to an attendant AMR increase. The issue of AMR is predominant in Nigeria and West Africa, with a rising AMR burden potentially contributing to the treatment of prevalent infections such as respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, and sexually transmitted infections. Urgent actions must be taken by relevant actors to address the increased risk of AMR.