FCTA pledges stronger measures to tackle snakebite menace after fatal incident

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing snakebite-related deaths through improved prevention, emergency response, and healthcare services across the territory.

The Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, expressed deep condolences to the family of Ms. Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene, who died from neurotoxic complications following a snakebite. Describing the incident as a painful and distressing loss, Dr. Fasawe emphasized that snakebite deaths are largely preventable and must be treated as a serious public health concern.

According to the FCTA, snakes commonly inhabit rainforests, grasslands, farmlands, and semi-arid areas, often straying close to human settlements in search of food and shelter. Nigeria is home to several highly venomous species, including cobras, vipers, and puff adders, prompting health authorities to treat all snakebites as venomous until medically confirmed otherwise.

The Administration urged residents to adopt preventive measures such as wearing protective clothing while farming or walking through tall grass, using flashlights at night, clearing debris around homes, sealing possible snake entry points, and avoiding direct contact with 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 FCTA warned against harmful traditional practices, including cutting or sucking the wound, applying tourniquets, ice, or herbal remedies.

Dr. Fasawe reassured residents that various forms of anti-snake venom are widely available in FCTA-owned hospitals and public health facilities. She explained that antivenom procurement is guided by collaboration with veterinary experts who identify prevalent snake species in the FCT. Both polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms are centrally stored at the Abuja Central Medical Stores under strict quality and cold-chain management.

While early administration of antivenom significantly improves outcomes, the FCTA noted that recovery is not always guaranteed once severe neurotoxic symptoms develop, highlighting the importance of rapid evacuation and treatment.

To improve emergency response, the Administration disclosed that it has expanded road networks and recently procured and deployed 12 fully equipped ambulances to reduce response times. FCT hospitals are prepared to provide antivenom therapy, patient monitoring, management of adverse reactions, and advanced care such as ICU admission, airway support, blood transfusions, and coagulation monitoring when required.

The Mandate Secretary also stressed that all public and private healthcare facilities must strictly adhere to approved clinical protocols, warning that monitoring will be intensified and negligent facilities sanctioned.

Residents were advised to contact the FCT Emergency Medical System and Ambulance Services through the emergency numbers 090157892931 and 090157892932.

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