The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has pledged to implement effective measures to reduce deaths caused by snakebites across the territory.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, expressed her heartfelt condolences to the family of Ms. Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene, who recently died from neurotoxic complications following a snakebite.
“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,” Fasawe said.
She warned that snakebites are largely preventable but remain a serious public health issue. She noted that snakes live in rainforests, grasslands, farms, and semi-arid areas, often hiding near human dwellings.
Highlighting that highly venomous species like cobras, vipers, and puff adders exist in Nigeria, she stressed that all snakebites should be treated as venomous until proven otherwise.
Fasawe advised residents to take precautions, such as wearing protective clothing when farming or walking through tall grass, avoiding dark areas at night or using flashlights, clearing debris around homes, sealing entry points, and never handling snakes.
In case of a bite, she recommended immediate first aid, including staying calm, immobilising the affected limb below heart level, removing tight items like rings, gently cleaning the wound, and seeking medical attention immediately for antivenom. She warned against harmful practices like cutting or sucking the wound, using tourniquets, applying ice, or relying on herbal remedies.
The FCTA confirmed that various types of anti-snake venom are available in its hospitals and public health facilities.
“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,” Fasawe said.
She stressed the importance of early treatment, noting that antivenom works best when given promptly, but recovery is not assured if neurotoxic symptoms have already appeared, highlighting the need for quick medical evacuation.
To improve response times, the FCTA has expanded road networks and recently acquired 12 ambulances equipped for emergency care. Hospitals provide antivenom treatment, immobilisation, monitoring for side effects, and supportive care. Tertiary services, including ICU admission, airway management, coagulation monitoring, and blood transfusions, are also available.
Fasawe emphasized that all healthcare facilities, public and private, must follow approved clinical protocols. “Monitoring and enforcement will be intensified, and facilities found negligent will face sanctions,” she said.
Residents are urged to contact the FCT Emergency Medical System and Ambulance Services at 090157892931 or 090157892932 in case of emergencies.
The FCTA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening emergency systems, enforcing healthcare standards, and safeguarding the lives of all residents in the Federal Capital Territory.
