No fewer than 54 residents of Gombe State have died from snake bites in 2025, the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Nuhu Bile, has disclosed.
Dr. Bile made the revelation on Tuesday during the State Public Health Emergency Management Committee (S-PHEMC) meeting held in Gombe.
The meeting, supported by UNICEF, was chaired by the State Deputy Governor, Mr. Manassah Jatau, who also serves as the Chairman of the PHEMC.
According to Dr. Bile, 1,591 snake bite cases were recorded at the Snake Bite Hospital in Kaltungo this year, representing the lowest number in four years compared to 2,794 cases in 2022, 2,594 in 2023, and 2,189 in 2024.
He noted, however, that the reduction does not indicate a decline in snake bite incidents but reflects the scarcity of free and adequate anti-snake venom at the hospital.
“Many victims now seek alternative treatments, only presenting at the hospital when cases become critical,” Dr. Bile said, adding that the 54 deaths accounted for 3.4 percent of the cases, while the rest were successfully treated and discharged.
The state also recorded 176 cholera cases, resulting in five deaths, and 14 Lassa fever cases with eight deaths in 2025.
Dr. Jibril Muhammad, a UNICEF Consultant leading the delegation from Abuja, said the meeting aimed to strengthen public health strategies in the region.
He commended Gombe for effectively managing cholera outbreaks and encouraged other states to adopt similar strategies.
“This engagement is crucial as Nigeria continues to battle multiple disease outbreaks,” Dr. Muhammad said, noting that nearly all 37 states are experiencing outbreaks, with cholera causing significant casualties in Bauchi and Adamawa States.
He urged stakeholders to implement and sustain public health interventions in their respective states to reduce disease burden and prevent avoidable deaths.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
