Snakebite Deaths: Pharmacists Demand Free Antivenom, Local Manufacturing
Pharmacists Demand Urgent Policy Shift
THE Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has renewed calls for decisive federal intervention to address the rising toll of snakebite envenoming in the country, urging government to provide free antivenom nationwide and support local production.
The appeal followed the death of popular Abuja-based singer, Ifunanya Nwangene, which the association said exposed persistent weaknesses in the healthcare system’s response to snakebite emergencies.
In a statement signed by ACPN National Chairman, Mr. Ambrose Eze, the association described the incident as a tragic loss and extended condolences to the bereaved family.
A Silent Public Health Crisis
Eze warned that snakebite envenoming remains a largely overlooked public health threat despite its devastating impact. He called on the Federal Government to formally recognise the condition as a National Health Priority and classify it among Neglected Tropical Diseases.
According to ACPN data, Nigeria records no fewer than 20,000 snakebite cases annually, with thousands of deaths and long-term disabilities reported each year. Rural populations, especially farmers and herders, are the most vulnerable due to limited access to healthcare facilities.
Cost, Delays, and Shortages
The association said delays in accessing antivenom continue to claim lives, pointing to stock shortages and administrative bottlenecks within hospitals. Eze described the situation as worsened by disruptions to Drug Revolving Funds, which he said were essential for maintaining consistent medicine supplies.
He stressed that although antivenoms are listed as essential medicines, availability remains unreliable across many public health facilities.
Local Production as a Sustainable Solution
ACPN proposed a federal investment of approximately 12 million dollars to establish a domestic antivenom production facility, arguing that local manufacturing would improve availability and reduce costs.
The association also recommended placing antivenom under national health insurance coverage to ease the financial burden on patients.
Strengthening Grassroots Response
Citing findings from the 2026 Global Strike Out Snakebite report, Eze noted that most healthcare workers face extreme challenges in treating snakebite cases. He called for better-equipped rural health centres, training of frontline workers, and public education to discourage harmful traditional treatments.
Eze maintained that with sustained commitment and strategic investment, Nigeria could significantly reduce snakebite-related deaths and disabilities.
