PROVIDE FREE ANTIVENOM TO PREVENT SNAKEBITE DEATHS” – PHARMACISTS URGE TINUBU

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By: Muftau Fatimo

Pharmacists under the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the federal government to provide free antivenom drugs to citizens.

The association stressed that such a measure is crucial to prevent the frequent deaths caused by snakebites nationwide. The call follows the recent death of Abuja-based singer Ifunanya Nwangene, who reportedly died from a snakebite.

ACPN National Chairman, Pharmacist Ambrose Eze, told DAILY POST on Monday that around 2,000 preventable deaths occur each year in Nigeria due to snakebites. He called on the federal government to make free antivenom drugs available to citizens and also to support local production of the medications.

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Eze emphasized that the life of every Nigerian is valuable and must be protected.

He stated: “Snakebite envenoming continues to be one of Nigeria’s most neglected public health emergencies. The country records over 20,000 cases annually, with around 1,700 Nigerians suffering permanent disabilities, such as limb amputations, due to tissue necrosis and delayed access to treatment.

“The recent death of Ms. Nwangene at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, has highlighted the urgency of this issue. Although FMC Abuja confirmed that antivenom was administered, gaps such as referral delays and stock shortages in local facilities remain critical.

“The Federal Government should ensure the full inclusion of antivenoms under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to subsidize the average N40,000 treatment cost, which is often unaffordable for rural Nigerians.”

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