The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched the SPARC App, a digital prescribing tool to combat antimicrobial resistance and guide responsible antibiotic use among healthcare professionals.
In a strategic move to strengthen Nigeria’s public health infrastructure and combat one of the world’s most urgent health threats, the Federal Government has officially unveiled the Surveillance and Prescribing Support for Antimicrobial Stewardship Resource Capacity Building (SPARC) App. This marks a significant step forward in addressing the growing challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) across the country’s healthcare system.
The official launch event took place on July 26, 2025, in Abuja and was led by Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare. Represented by Pharmacist (Mrs.) Olubunmi Aribeana, Director of the Food and Drug Services Department, the Minister formally declared the app "live in Nigeria," positioning it as a pivotal solution in the fight to preserve the efficacy of antimicrobials for future generations.
The SPARC App has been developed in collaboration with the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA) and funded by the Fleming Fund. It functions as a comprehensive digital repository for Nigeria’s Standard Treatment Guidelines (NSTG), serving healthcare professionals including doctors, pharmacists, and clinical prescribers.
According to Prof. Pate, the app is an essential component of Nigeria’s broader AMR strategy and serves as a digital intervention that ensures antibiotics are used appropriately only when needed, in the correct dosage, and for the appropriate duration.
Antimicrobial Resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites adapt and render previously effective medications ineffective. This makes common infections harder to treat, increases treatment failures, and elevates the risk of complications and mortality. The Coordinating Minister reaffirmed that the SPARC App is designed to mitigate this risk by standardizing treatment protocols and making clinical decision-making more evidence-based.
Highlighting the urgency of the issue, Prof. Pate referenced the 2015 World Health Assembly (WHA) Resolution WHA 68.7, which called for urgent global action through the adoption of a Global Action Plan (GAP) on AMR. Nigeria’s national response, the National Action Plan on AMR (NAP), now in its second phase (NAP 2.0), is coordinated by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The SPARC App directly supports the implementation of the NAP 2.0, especially the Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) pillar, which promotes rational use of antibiotics across the human, animal, and environmental health sectors a One Health approach.
During the event, stakeholders from various ministries and agencies emphasized the app’s role in modernizing the country’s prescribing practices. In her address, Pharm. Aribeana, represented by Mr. Tunde Atanda, Director of the National Food Safety Quality Programme, highlighted that the SPARC App reflects a robust inter-ministerial collaboration. She noted that its implementation involved the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the Federal Ministry of Environment, the NCDC, and the CPA.
Already in use across 22 Commonwealth countries, the app is expected to shift prescribing patterns in Nigeria toward global best practices. Once fully integrated, it will also include the Guidelines for the Use of Antimicrobials in Animals, pending formal approval. These additions will enable the app to support stewardship across all domains of antimicrobial use, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a leader in digital health innovation on the African continent.
Yakubu James, Deputy Director and Nigeria’s designated SPARC App Champion, presented an update on Nigeria’s ongoing contributions to global AMR response mechanisms. His presentation included highlights from Nigeria’s policy framework such as the revision of the National Essential Medicines List, the National Drug Formulary, and the development of the forthcoming National Antimicrobial Stewardship Policy for Human Health.
Mr. James also spoke on the app’s broader potential, stating that it is not just a clinical tool but a national strategic asset. He emphasized that the Ministry is committed to building a resilient health system that utilizes digital solutions like SPARC to improve treatment outcomes and strengthen surveillance capabilities.
Prof. Pate urged all licensed medical prescribers in Nigeria to adopt the SPARC App immediately. He noted that prescriber feedback is essential for refining the tool and enhancing its functionality over time. The Minister reiterated that healthcare professionals now have immediate access to the most current clinical guidelines, reducing unnecessary prescriptions and helping preserve the effectiveness of essential antibiotics.
The SPARC App is not intended for use by the general public. It is strictly a professional tool to support licensed practitioners in delivering safe, evidence-based care. The Ministry emphasized that the responsible use of antibiotics must be enforced at all levels of the health system to prevent the acceleration of drug-resistant infections.
With this launch, Nigeria becomes one of the few nations in Africa to integrate a national-level digital prescribing support system into its healthcare infrastructure. The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to innovation, health system resilience, and evidence-based clinical governance.
The SPARC App is now operational and available to verified healthcare workers across Nigeria. Its nationwide adoption represents a crucial step in aligning Nigeria’s health practices with international standards while addressing a pressing national health concern.
Source: Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare https://health.gov.ng