Abuja Snakebite Tragedy: FCTA mourns Ifunanya, shares emergency antivenom numbers

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has pledged to take stronger measures to reduce deaths from snakebites in the territory.

In a statement on Tuesday, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, expressed her condolences to the family of Ms. Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene, who recently died after suffering neurotoxic complications from a snakebite.

“The loss of such a promising young life is very sad. We must take medically preventable deaths seriously and put measures in place to avoid them,” Fasawe said.

She explained that snakebites are largely preventable. Snakes live in forests, grasslands, farms, and near homes. Venomous species in Nigeria include cobras, vipers, and puff adders. She advised treating all snakebites as dangerous until proven otherwise.

Fasawe urged residents to take precautions, such as:

Wearing protective clothing when farming or walking in tall grass

Avoiding dark areas at night or using a flashlight

Clearing debris around homes and sealing entry points

Never handling snakes

In case of a bite, she advised:

Staying calm

Keeping the affected limb still and below heart level

Removing tight items like rings or watches

Cleaning the wound gently

Going immediately to a hospital with antivenom

She warned against harmful practices like cutting or sucking the wound, using tourniquets, applying ice, or relying on herbal remedies.

The FCTA confirmed that antivenoms are available in all FCTA hospitals and public health facilities. Different types of polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms are stored at Abuja Central Medical Stores and managed to ensure quality and availability.

Dr. Fasawe noted that antivenom works best when given early, but recovery is not guaranteed if severe neurotoxic symptoms appear. To improve response times, the FCTA has expanded roads and added 12 emergency ambulances. Hospitals provide antivenom, monitoring, immobilization, and supportive care, including ICU services if needed.

She also stressed that all healthcare facilities must follow approved clinical protocols. “Monitoring will be strict, and facilities found negligent will face sanctions,” she said.

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

The FCTA reaffirmed its commitment to improving emergency response, enforcing healthcare standards, and protecting residents’ lives.