Provide loose antivenom medicine to stop additional deaths from snakebite – Pharmacists inform Tinubu

Introduction

Snakebite envenomation remains one of the most neglected public health emergencies in Nigeria, claiming thousands of lives each year and leaving many more with permanent disabilities. The recent tragic death of Abuja-based singer Ifunanya Nwangene due to a snakebite has reignited urgent calls for government intervention. The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) is now urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to provide free antivenom medicine to prevent further avoidable deaths and disabilities caused by snakebites across the country.

Key Points

Background

Snakebite envenomation is a significant but often overlooked public health crisis in Nigeria. The country experiences over 20,000 snakebite cases each year, resulting in approximately 2,000 preventable deaths and about 1,700 cases of permanent disability, including limb amputations due to tissue necrosis and delayed access to medical care. Rural communities are particularly vulnerable due to limited healthcare infrastructure, frequent stock-outs of antivenom, and the high cost of treatment.

The recent death of singer Ifunanya Nwangene at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jabi in Abuja has highlighted the urgent need for systemic changes. While the hospital confirmed that antivenom was administered, the incident exposed critical gaps in the healthcare system, such as referral bottlenecks and inconsistent antivenom availability in local facilities.

Analysis

Current Challenges in Snakebite Management

Despite the availability of antivenom, several factors contribute to the high mortality and morbidity rates from snakebites in Nigeria:

• High Treatment Costs: The average cost of antivenom treatment is around N40,000, which is unaffordable for most rural Nigerians who are at highest risk.
• Stock-Outs and Supply Chain Issues: Many local health facilities frequently run out of antivenom, forcing patients to travel long distances or face delays in receiving care.
• Limited Local Production: Nigeria relies heavily on imported antivenoms, making the supply vulnerable to international market fluctuations and logistics challenges.
• Lack of Insurance Coverage: Antivenoms are not currently covered under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), leaving patients to bear the full cost.

Proposed Solutions by ACPN

The ACPN has put forward several recommendations to address these challenges:

1. Free Antivenom Distribution: The government should provide free antivenom to all snakebite victims, particularly in high-risk rural areas.
2. NHIA Inclusion: Antivenoms should be fully included under the NHIA to subsidize treatment costs and make them accessible to all Nigerians.
3. Local Manufacturing Support: Strengthening local production of antivenoms will reduce dependency on imports, lower costs, and ensure a steady supply.
4. Public Awareness and Training: Educating communities about snakebite prevention and first aid, and training healthcare workers in proper antivenom administration.

Practical Advice

For Individuals at Risk

• Wear protective clothing such as boots and gloves when working in fields or rural areas.
• Keep your surroundings clear of debris and tall grass where snakes may hide.
• Learn basic first aid for snakebites: keep the victim calm, immobilize the affected limb, and seek immediate medical attention.
• Do not attempt traditional remedies or cut the bite site; antivenom is the only proven treatment.

For Healthcare Providers

• Ensure antivenom stocks are regularly monitored and replenished.
• Train staff on proper antivenom administration and management of adverse reactions.
• Establish clear referral pathways for cases requiring specialized care.
• Advocate for inclusion of antivenoms in local and national health insurance schemes.

For Policymakers

• Prioritize snakebite envenomation as a public health emergency and allocate resources accordingly.
• Implement policies to subsidize antivenom costs and include them under NHIA.
• Support research and development for local antivenom production.
• Strengthen rural healthcare infrastructure to improve access and reduce delays in treatment.

FAQ

Conclusion

The call by the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria for free antivenom distribution is a crucial step toward addressing the snakebite crisis in Nigeria. With thousands of preventable deaths and disabilities each year, urgent government action is needed to make antivenom accessible and affordable, especially for rural communities. By including antivenoms under the National Health Insurance Authority, supporting local production, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure, Nigeria can significantly reduce the burden of snakebite envenomation and save countless lives.

Sources

• Dailypost.ng – “Provide free antivenom medicine to prevent deaths from snakebite – Pharmacists tell Tinubu”
• Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) official statements
• Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jabi, Abuja reports
• National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) guidelines