Professor calls for global action on superbugs, advocates plant-based solutions
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo
A Professor of Microbiology at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Professor Adeleke Osho has emphasized the urgent need for global collective action to combat the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, also known as superbugs.
Delivering the 16th Inaugural Lecture of the university with the theme “The Hunt for the Superbugs,” Osho defined superbugs as bacterial strains that have developed multiple resistances to antibiotics, rendering conventional treatment methods ineffective.
He said these bacterial strains pose a significant threat to global public health due to their capacity to cause severe infections, particularly among vulnerable groups such as the elderly, immunocompromised patients, and individuals with chronic illnesses.
“Superbugs are responsible for millions of deaths worldwide each year. In 2019, a major global study estimated that antibiotic-resistant infections directly led to approximately 1.27 million deaths and contributed to around 4.95 million deaths globally.”
Osho stressed that addressing the global challenge of antibiotic-resistant bacteria requires collective responsibility and coordinated efforts across society.
“Having studied superbugs extensively, I have come to realize the urgent need to address their growing threat. This global health challenge has led researchers worldwide to seek alternative antimicrobials, with increasing interest in the potential of plant-derived substances (PDS).”
“The rich diversity of flora in Africa presents a unique opportunity that we must leverage. Our ancestors have long utilized various plants for their therapeutic properties; however, this wealth of traditional knowledge remains largely undocumented and scientifically unexplored.”
“Recognizing this gap, I took it upon myself to initiate a comprehensive screening of Nigerian medicinal plants for their antimicrobial properties and to determine their phytochemical constituents.
“Many phytochemicals, including polyphenols, alkaloids, and tannins, have demonstrated efficacy in combating bacterial infections through different mechanisms. These compounds have not only proven to be effective in traditional medicine but have also shown competitive effects when compared to commercial antibiotics.”
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Olufemi Akindele, described inaugural lectures as a unique academic exercise that not only acknowledges the academic achievements of professors but also showcases their expertise and research contributions in their field.
