Public Protests as Drivers of Antimicrobial Resistance Spread in Nigeria: Addressing the Health Risks and Policy Measures

ABSTRACT A protest, also called a demonstration, is a way for people to show their disagreement with an action or idea, mainly when they are unable to directly prevent them. Protests can speed up the spread of multidrug‐resistant organisms (MDROs), causing a major public health problem. In Nigeria, protests have a long history and have led to significant changes but also cause delays and resource depletion. Large protests create room for infectious diseases, with drug‐resistant bacteria to spread because of close contact between participants. Medical support on‐site during protests can support individuals who are injured or do have an infection that necessitates treatment. Moreover, policies may influence antibiotic resistance if antibiotic stewardship, or the rational use of antibiotics, can be promoted and supported.