Snake Bite:FCTA Reassures Residents Of Efficient Ways To Reduce The Menace
The Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration expresses her deepest condolences to the family of Ms. Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene, who sadly passed away following neurotoxic complications from a snakebite.
According to the statement issued by Dr Adedolapo Fasawe on behalf of FCTA,” the loss of a promising young life is deeply painful and distressing. I share in the family’s grief and reaffirm that such medically preventable deaths must be taken seriously, with strengthened measures to prevent recurrence.”
The statement read, “Snakebites remain a largely preventable public health emergency. Snakes inhabit rainforests, grasslands, farms, and semi-arid areas, and often hide near human dwellings in search of food or shelter—leading to increased human-snake encounters.
” In Nigeria, highly venomous species such as cobras, vipers, and puff adders are present. As a rule, all snakebites must be treated as venomous until proven otherwise.”
On Prevention and First Aid, Dr Fasawe urged all FCT residents to adopt primary prevention measures, including wearing protective clothing when in farms or tall grass, avoiding dark areas or using flashlights at night, clearing debris around homes, sealing entry points, and never handling snakes.
The statement added that “In the event of a bite, immediate first aid includes staying calm, immobilising the affected limb below heart level, removing constrictive items, gently cleaning the wound, and proceeding immediately to a hospital with antivenom. Harmful practices—such as cutting or sucking the wound, applying tourniquets, ice, or herbal remedies—must be avoided.”
“The FCTA reassures residents that different forms and types of anti-snake venom are widely available across FCTA-owned hospitals and public health facilities. Stocking decisions are guided by collaboration with veterinary doctors, who help identify the most common snake species (venom strains) in the FCT.
“Accordingly, polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms are maintained, centrally stored in FCTA owned Abuja Central Medical Stores, and directly managed by the Secretariat to ensure quality, cold-chain integrity, and availability.”
Dr Fasawe also harped on prompt treatment, adding that while antivenom is most effective when administered early, its use does not guarantee recovery, particularly where neurotoxic symptoms have already manifested, underscoring the need for rapid evacuation.
“To reduce response times, the FCTA has strengthened secondary prevention through expanded road networks and the recent procurement and deployment of 12 ambulances, equipped to manage emergencies. Hospitals provide antivenom administration, immobilisation (without tourniquets), monitoring for adverse reactions, and supportive care. Tertiary care, including ICU admission, airway management, coagulation monitoring, and blood transfusion services, is available across FCT hospitals”.
On quality Assurance and Emergency Access, Dr Fasawe says:
“want to reiterate that all healthcare facilities—public and private—must adhere strictly to approved clinical protocols. Monitoring and enforcement will be intensified, and facilities found negligent will face sanctions.
“For emergencies, residents should contact FCT Emergency Medical System and Ambulance Services Numbers – 090157892931, 090157892932.The FCTA remains resolute in strengthening emergency systems, enforcing quality healthcare standards, and protecting the lives of all residents of the Federal Capital Territory.”
