FCTA Vows to Crush Snakebite Threat, Strengthens Emergency Care After Tragic Death

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating snakebite-related deaths in the nation’s capital, describing the menace as a largely preventable public health emergency, following the tragic death of Ms. Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene. 

The Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family, noting that the loss of a promising young Nigerian to neurotoxic complications from a snakebite was both painful and unacceptable.

“The loss of such a young life is deeply distressing. Medically preventable deaths like this must be taken seriously, and we are strengthening measures to ensure that such tragedies do not recur,” she stated.

Dr. Fasawe explained that snakebites remain a persistent risk in Nigeria due to the presence of highly venomous species such as cobras, vipers and puff adders, which often stray close to human settlements in search of food or shelter. She stressed that all snakebites should be treated as venomous until proven otherwise, urging residents to seek immediate medical care.

Prevention Still the First Line of Defence

The FCTA called on residents to adopt preventive measures, including wearing protective clothing while farming or walking through tall grass, clearing debris around homes, sealing entry points, avoiding dark areas at night or using flashlights, and never attempting to handle snakes.

In the event of a snakebite, residents were advised to remain calm, immobilise the affected limb below heart level, remove tight items such as rings or bangles, gently clean the wound, and proceed immediately to the nearest hospital with antivenom. The Secretariat warned strongly against harmful traditional practices such as cutting or sucking the wound, applying tourniquets, ice, or herbal remedies.

Antivenom Widely Available Across FCT Hospitals

Reassuring residents, Dr. Fasawe disclosed that different types of anti-snake venom are readily available in all FCTA-owned hospitals and public health facilities. She explained that antivenom procurement is guided by collaboration with veterinary experts who help identify prevalent snake species and venom strains in the FCT.

According to her, both polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms are centrally stored at the Abuja Central Medical Stores, where strict quality control and cold-chain management are maintained to guarantee effectiveness and availability.

While noting that early administration of antivenom significantly improves survival, the Mandate Secretary cautioned that recovery is not always guaranteed once severe neurotoxic symptoms have set in, underscoring the importance of rapid evacuation and early treatment.

Ambulance Services Expanded to Cut Response Time

To further enhance emergency response, the FCTA has strengthened road infrastructure and recently procured and deployed 12 fully equipped ambulances to support prompt evacuation and emergency care.

FCT hospitals, she said, are equipped to provide antivenom administration, safe immobilisation without tourniquets, close monitoring for adverse reactions, and comprehensive supportive care. Advanced tertiary services, including ICU admission, airway management, coagulation monitoring and blood transfusion, are also available across FCT hospitals.

Zero Tolerance for Negligence

Dr. Fasawe warned that all public and private healthcare facilities must strictly adhere to approved clinical protocols for snakebite management, adding that monitoring and enforcement would be intensified.

“Any facility found negligent will face appropriate sanctions,” she said.

Residents were urged to immediately contact the FCT Emergency Medical System and Ambulance Services in emergencies via 090157892931 or 090157892932.

The FCTA reiterated its resolve to strengthen emergency health systems, enforce quality healthcare standards, and safeguard the lives of all residents of the Federal Capital Territory.