Grace Adeleke
The Federal Government has released 100 vials of anti-snake venom worth more than N25 million to the Benue State Government following increasing concerns over snakebite cases and deaths across the state.
The intervention, provided by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is expected to strengthen the state’s capacity to provide timely treatment for victims and reduce the financial burden associated with the treatment of snakebite.
The Panaf Premium Anti-Snake Venom was formally presented to the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services in Makurdi on Friday.
Speaking during the presentation, the state Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, described the intervention as a significant boost to the state’s response to snakebite emergencies.
Ogwuche said the donation followed the state government’s request for assistance from the Federal Ministry of Health, adding that the intervention would complement Governor Hyacinth Alia’s efforts to improve access to essential healthcare services.
He commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Aliu Pate, and officials of the Federal Ministry of Health for responding to the state’s request.
The commissioner said the availability of the anti-snake venom would help reduce the financial pressure on families whose members suffer snakebites while improving access to prompt treatment.
He said the ministry would ensure that the drugs were properly documented, stored and distributed to health facilities where they would be available to patients who genuinely require them.
Receiving the consignment on behalf of the ministry, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Cephas Hough, described the intervention as timely, saying it would strengthen Benue’s ability to respond to snakebite emergencies.
Hough also commended the commissioner for engaging the Federal Ministry of Health to secure the intervention.
He said the development demonstrated the importance of collaboration between the Federal and state governments in addressing critical public-health challenges.
The consignment was subsequently handed over to the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Regina Agir, for documentation, storage and warehousing in accordance with pharmaceutical management procedures.
The development comes amid concerns over the health burden posed by snakebites in parts of Nigeria, particularly in rural communities where victims may face delays in reaching hospitals and difficulty affording anti-snake venom.
Health experts have repeatedly stressed the importance of early treatment following snakebite, noting that delays in accessing appropriate medical care can increase the risk of severe complications and death.
The Federal Government’s intervention is therefore expected to provide some relief to Benue residents, particularly vulnerable households that may otherwise struggle to meet the cost of treatment.
However, sustained availability of anti-snake venom, improved emergency referral systems and public awareness on the need to seek immediate medical attention will remain critical to reducing snakebite-related deaths in the state.
The presentation was attended by the Permanent Secretary, directors and other senior officials of the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services.
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