Snakebite

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A new global report has revealed that at least half of health facilities in Nigeria lack the capacity to properly treat snakebite envenoming, raising concerns over avoidable deaths and long-term disabilities across the country.

The report was released by the Strike Out Snakebite (SOS) initiative to mark World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day 2026, observed annually on January 30. It identified weak health systems, poor infrastructure and persistent shortages of life-saving antivenom as major drivers of snakebite deaths, particularly in high-burden countries such as Nigeria.

The findings were drawn from a survey involving 904 frontline healthcare workers in Nigeria, Brazil, India, Indonesia and Kenya, countries that account for a significant share of the global snakebite burden.

According to the report, 50 per cent of health workers said their facilities lack full capacity to manage snakebite cases, while 99 per cent reported difficulties administering antivenom, which the World Health Organisation recognises as the only essential treatment for snakebite care.

Nigeria’s situation was described as especially severe, with 98 per cent of surveyed healthcare workers reporting challenges in administering antivenom.

“Nigeria is home to 29 species of snakes, nearly 41 per cent of which are venomous, yet many victims still struggle to access timely medical care,” the report stated.

Healthcare workers surveyed identified urgent needs that include improved access to care, higher-quality antivenom, stronger regulation, expanded training and wider community education to reduce risky behaviour.

The report highlighted “delays in patients arriving at health facilities (57 per cent), poor infrastructure and inadequate equipment (56 per cent), and lack of training and clinical guidelines (42 per cent) as key factors contributing to avoidable deaths and disabilities.”

The findings come amid public outrage over the death of Abuja-based music talent, Ifunanya Nwangene, who reportedly visited two hospitals that could not administer antivenom before she died.

The report further showed that 35 per cent of healthcare workers experience daily shortages of antivenom, while more than 77 per cent reported life-threatening delays in treatment because victims often seek traditional remedies first.

In addition, 44 per cent of respondents said avoidable delays have led to amputations or major surgeries, outcomes that frequently push affected families into deeper poverty.

Snakebite envenoming was described as a disease of inequality, with rural communities, children and agricultural workers most affected due to long distances from well-equipped health facilities.

“Snakebite envenoming kills roughly one person every five minutes worldwide, yet remains severely underreported and underfunded despite being preventable and treatable,” the report said.

Commenting on the findings, Co-Chair of the Global Snakebite Taskforce and Chancellor of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Elhadj As Sy, said the data point to a global emergency.

“Snakebite envenoming causes up to 138,000 deaths every year — one person every five minutes — and leaves a further 400,000 with permanent disabilities,” he said.

He questioned why one of the deadliest neglected tropical diseases remains largely ignored by global decision-makers and donors.

“No one should be dying from snakebite envenoming,” he added, while calling for urgent action to end preventable deaths in Nigeria and other vulnerable regions.

Elhadj As Sy also said frontline health workers are fighting the disease within fragile and under-resourced systems.

“Too often, conversations on global health overlook those who shoulder the greatest burden — frontline healthcare workers. This report shines a light on the severe challenges they face. Many solutions exist, but political will and bold commitments from governments, partners and investors are needed to turn the tide on this preventable yet devastating disease,” he said.

The report noted that victims often face long journeys to care, limited infrastructure and scarce, costly antivenom, factors that turn a treatable condition into a medical emergency.

It also pointed to preventive measures such as wearing protective footwear, using mosquito nets, carrying torches at night and avoiding snake habitats as steps that could significantly reduce risk in rural areas.

Elhadj urged governments to act decisively.

“As Co-Chair of the GST, my mission is simple: to bring snakebite out of the shadows and demand the attention, action, and resources from the international community. The solutions exist. The deaths are preventable. Frontline healthcare workers have spoken. I invite you to listen. Stand with them,” he said.

Executive Secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance, Joy Phumaphi, also stressed the urgency of action.

“Snakebite envenoming continues to take the lives of vulnerable people despite being preventable. On World NTD Day, ALMA reaffirms our commitment to strengthen prevention and control through advocacy and country-led solutions. Unite. Act. Eliminate NTDs,” she said.

The report called on governments, philanthropists, multilateral agencies and industry stakeholders to increase investment in research, expand access to affordable and quality antivenom, upgrade health infrastructure and integrate snakebite prevention and treatment into national health plans.

SOS warned that snakebite envenoming still receives only a small fraction of the funding required, despite causing up to 138,000 deaths and 400,000 permanent disabilities worldwide each year.