Abuja Snakebite: FCTA Laments Death Of Ifunanya, Provides Emergency Numbers for Anti-venoms

The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has promised to take proper and efficient measures to reduce snakebite-related deaths across the territory.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, expressed her deepest condolences to the family of Ms. Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene, who recently passed away following neurotoxic complications from 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 remain a largely preventable public health emergency, noting that snakes inhabit rainforests, grasslands, farms, and semi-arid areas, often hiding near human dwellings.

Stating that hughly venomous species such as cobras, vipers, and puff adders are present in Nigeria, she insisted that all snakebites should be treated as venomous until proven otherwise.

Fasawe advised residents to adopt preventive measures, including wearing protective clothing when farming or walking in tall grass, avoiding dark areas at night or using flashlights, clearing debris around homes, sealing entry points, and never handling snakes.

In the event of a bite, she recommended immediate first aid such as staying calm, immobilising the affected limb below heart level, removing constrictive items, gently cleaning the wound, and proceeding immediately to a hospital with antivenom. She cautioned against harmful practices like cutting or sucking the wound, using tourniquets, applying ice, or relying on herbal remedies.

The FCTA assured that different types of anti-snake venom are widely available in FCTA-owned 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 also highlighted that prompt treatment is critical.

While antivenom is most effective when administered early, recovery is not guaranteed if neurotoxic symptoms have already developed, underscoring the need for rapid evacuation.

To reduce response times, FCTA has expanded road networks and recently procured 12 ambulances equipped to manage emergencies. Hospitals provide antivenom administration, immobilisation, monitoring for adverse reactions, and supportive care. Tertiary care, including ICU admission, airway management, coagulation monitoring, and blood transfusion services, is also available.

Fasawe emphasised 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,” she said.

For emergencies, residents are advised to contact the FCT Emergency Medical System and Ambulance Services at 090157892931 or 090157892932.

The FCTA reiterated its commitment to strengthening emergency systems, enforcing quality healthcare standards, and protecting the lives of all residents of the Federal Capital Territory.