Antivenom shortage
Abuja-based singer Ifunanya Nwangene, 26, who tragically died from a snakebite, might have survived had she received treatment earlier. Saad Ahmed, Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medicals Centre (FMC),
- We need to produce the medication locally to conquer the menace of snake bites
Abuja-based singer Ifunanya Nwangene, 26, who tragically died from a snakebite, might have survived had she received treatment earlier. Saad Ahmed, Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medicals Centre (FMC), Jabi, explained that she arrived “over two hours after the deadly incident.”
He noted that she received two doses of anti-snake venom, but by then, “the venom had already gone systemic.” She was bitten by a cobra, which he described as highly venomous. The snake had reportedly crept into her apartment and bitten her wrist in the early hours of the morning.
Although she was initially taken to a nearby clinic, she could not receive treatment due to a lack of antivenom. By the time she reached FMC Jabi, Abuja, her condition had deteriorated significantly.
Defending the FMC’s services against allegations of an antivenom shortage, Ahmed stated: “We had anti-snake venom fully stocked, and our emergency services are top-notch.”
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However, the incident raised serious questions about the availability of antivenom in medical facilities across the country, as well as access to treatment and cost of care in snakebite cases.
Snakebites are known to be common in several parts of the country, especially in Gombe, Adamawa, Kwara, Benue, Taraba, Oyo, Kogi, Niger, Kebbi, Borno, Bauchi, Plateau, Nasarawa, and Zamfara.
Data from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare indicate that about 20,000 snakebite incidents are recorded annually, with about 2,000 deaths. Furthermore, between 1,700 and 2,000 people are amputated to save their lives following deadly snake bites. Hospital records confirm more than 200 deaths from snakebites in 2026 alone, with many cases in rural areas unreported.
Antivenom is the only treatment for venomous snakebites recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO). The body lists antivenoms among essential medicines that should be part of any primary healthcare package in areas where snake bites occur. WHO has a global target to reduce snakebite deaths and disabilities by 50 per cent by the year 2030.
Notably, the ministry said it currently operates about 25 snakebite treatment centres across the country’s six geo-political zones, and supplies are allocated only to designated facilities based on snakebite endemicity and assessed needs.
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However, many health facilities in the country reportedly do not routinely stock antivenom, citing high costs, limited shelf life, poor cold-chain infrastructure, and irregular supply.
Indeed, according to a report by the global Strike Out Snakebite initiative, at least half of health facilities in the country lack the capacity to treat snakebite envenoming. This is concerning, given data that the country is home to 29 snake species, nearly half of which are venomous.
Identified factors leading to deaths and disabilities include delays in reaching health facilities, poor infrastructure and inadequate equipment, and lack of training and clinical guidelines. Also, health workers face antivenom shortages, and many people rely on traditional remedies.
Snakebites are considered largely preventable and treatable. While public enlightenment is useful in addressing the problem, local production of antivenoms is crucial in achieving availability, accessibility, and affordability. The country’s current dependence on imported supplies makes it vulnerable to foreign exchange shortages, global supply disruptions and rising costs.
Importantly, the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) estimates that the country spends about $12 million yearly importing antivenoms. Instead, the authorities should pursue establishing local production plants, stabilising supply, and building long-term capacity.
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It is noteworthy that Nigeria has hosted initiatives for local antivenom production, though these have primarily focused on research, venom collection, and international collaboration rather than full-scale domestic manufacturing.
The Toxinological Society of Nigeria (TSN), which reports that Nigeria records approximately 43,000 snakebite cases annually, argues that it has become critical for the federal and state governments to invest in local antivenom production to tackle the rising burden of snakebite envenoming. It also advocates for better access to treatment in rural areas, and improved research on toxins.
Awareness and precautionary measures, such as keeping doors closed and exercising caution in bushy environments, are helpful. Beyond these, the authorities must address the strong need for improved access to safe and affordable antivenom in healthcare facilities across the country.
