Don calls for global collaboration to combat microbial threats

By Akinnodi Francis, Ondo
A Professor of Public Health Microbiology and Parasitology at the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, Prof. Abdulazeez Abubakar, has called for the creation of an enabling environment to support impactful research, urging collaboration between the government and researchers to achieve this goal.
Abubakar underscored the significance of multidisciplinary partnerships, both locally and internationally, as vital measures to address the growing challenges posed by microbial threats.
Speaking with Weekend Hope at the institution’s Laje Campus in Ondo City, he emphasised the need for proactive government actions to prepare for future epidemics and pandemics.
“Microbes are everywhere around us, in the air, water, and land, residing in our food, drinks, meats, toilet door handles, washbasins, and toothbrushes,” Abubakar noted.
The professor elaborated on the harmful effects of microbes and identified measures to mitigate their impact, highlighting microbial defence mechanisms such as beta-lactamase enzymes, serotoxin production, and the H antigen.
Sharing insights from his research, he detailed notable advancements in combating microbial challenges while warning of the significant risks posed by poor personal hygiene and inadequate environmental sanitation.
Reflecting on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as other diseases like Ebola and Lassa fever, Abubakar urged governments to enhance their preparedness to avoid being caught off guard by future health crises.
“We cannot afford to be caught unawares again!” he warned.
Abubakar reiterated the importance of fostering a research-friendly environment and encouraged collaboration between government bodies and research organisations.
He emphasised that global and multidisciplinary efforts are essential to shielding humanity from the looming dangers of microbial threats.