The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has assured residents that snake anti-venom is available in all FCT-owned hospitals and public health centres.
Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, disclosed on Tuesdayin a statement addressing concerns over snakebite cases in the territory.
Fasawe expressed condolences to the family of Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene, who died following neurotoxic complications from a snakebite, and noted that preventable medical deaths must be addressed.
She stated that snakebites remain a preventable public health concern, particularly in areas where snakes inhabit farms, grasslands, rainforests, and areas close to human dwellings.
Venomous species such as cobras, vipers, and puff adders are present in Nigeria, and all snakebites should be treated as venomous until medically assessed.
The FCTA advised residents to take preventive measures, including wearing protective clothing when farming or walking through tall grass, clearing debris around homes, sealing entry points, using flashlights at night, and avoiding contact with snakes.
Read also: FMC denies unavailability of anti-snake venom
In the event of a bite, victims should remain calm, immobilise the affected limb below heart level, remove tight items, clean the wound, and proceed immediately to a hospital with antivenom.
Practices such as cutting or sucking the wound, applying tourniquets, ice, or herbal remedies were discouraged.
According to the statement, different types of antivenom, including polyvalent and multivalent options, are available across FCTA hospitals.
Stocking decisions are informed by collaboration with veterinary experts who identify common snake species in the FCT. Antivenoms are centrally stored at the Abuja Central Medical Stores and managed under cold-chain protocols.
Fasawe noted that prompt medical attention is important, adding that while early administration of antivenom improves outcomes, recovery is not guaranteed in advanced neurotoxic cases.
To improve emergency response, the FCTA has expanded road networks and deployed 12 ambulances for medical emergencies.
She added that FCT hospitals provide antivenom administration, monitoring for adverse reactions, and supportive care, including intensive care services, airway management, coagulation monitoring, and blood transfusions when required.
She further stated that all public and private healthcare facilities must adhere to approved clinical protocols, noting that monitoring and enforcement will be intensified, with sanctions for negligence.
For emergencies, residents were advised to contact the FCT Emergency Medical and Ambulance Services via 090157892931 or 090157892932.
The FCTA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening emergency healthcare systems, enforcing healthcare standards, and protecting the lives of residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
