Nigeria's Snakebite Treatment Crisis: Unaffordable Costs and Deadly Consequences
The tragic death of gospel singer Ifunanya 'Nanyah' Nwangene has brought renewed attention to Nigeria's escalating snakebite crisis, particularly the prohibitive costs of treatment in hospitals across the country. Rural farmers in states like Gombe are bearing the brunt of this public health emergency, with many unable to afford life-saving anti-snake venom drugs.
Personal Tragedy Highlights Systemic Failure
Kwamangu Turanu, a resident of Kaltungo in Gombe State, shared the heartbreaking story of his mother's death six months ago following a snakebite. "When I got home, I saw my mother lying down. Her whole body had swollen, and her openings had begun to bleed blood and water," Turanu recounted. His mother was treated with the traditional "black stone" method, widely believed in northern Nigeria to absorb venom, but the treatment proved ineffective.
The stone eventually fell off, and despite days of traditional treatment, her condition deteriorated. By the time Turanu was informed of the incident, nearly four days had passed—a critical delay that highlights the dangerous consequences of relying on unproven remedies when modern medical treatment remains inaccessible.
Skyrocketing Costs of Anti-Snake Venom
Medical experts report that the high cost of anti-snake venom drugs is forcing many rural dwellers to turn to traditional remedies with often fatal outcomes. Currently, one vial of anti-snake venom costs over 80,000 naira (£42), a price considered completely unaffordable for families living below the poverty line.
According to Nigeria's Ministry of Health, the country records approximately 20,000 snakebite cases annually, with Gombe State alone accounting for nearly half of these incidents. The ministry further states that 2,000 people die each year from snakebites, while another 2,000 lose limbs in attempts to save their lives through traditional methods or delayed treatment.
Treatment Gap and Budgetary Shortfalls
Experts explain that treating a single snakebite case requires at least two vials of anti-snake venom, amounting to 160,000 naira (£85). If all 20,000 annual cases were properly treated, the total cost would reach 1.6 billion naira, far exceeding the government's current 500 million naira budget allocation, which covers only about 6,000 vials.
Nicholas Amani, Principal Medical Officer at the Kaltungo Snakebite Treatment Hospital—the largest such facility in Sub-Saharan Africa—reported that the hospital treats between 2,500 and 2,900 patients annually. "Within the first quarter of this year, January to March, we were able to treat 412 cases of snakebite," Amani noted, highlighting the significant patient load despite limited resources.
Government Response and Research Initiatives
Gombe State Commissioner for Health, Habu Dahiru, acknowledged the critical shortage of anti-snake venom during peak farming seasons. He revealed that the state is developing a serpentarium to study snakes and produce anti-snake venom locally, which could significantly reduce costs and improve accessibility.
Dahiru explained that snakebite cases in the region follow two distinct seasonal patterns: April to June during land clearing activities, and September to December during harvesting and grain storage periods. He emphasized the urgent need for farmers to use protective gear and adopt preventive measures to reduce exposure to snakebites.
Global Recognition and Local Challenges
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognized snakebite envenoming as a Neglected Tropical Disease in 2017, bringing international attention to this public health challenge. WHO reports indicate that under-reporting of snakebite cases exceeds 70% in many countries, as victims often seek traditional treatment instead of formal medical care.
In Nigeria, twelve states have been identified with high prevalence rates of snakebites:
- Gombe
- Adamawa
- Bauchi
- Borno
- Nasarawa
- Plateau
- Enugu
- Kogi
- Kebbi
- Oyo
- Benue
- Taraba
Experts estimate that establishing a local anti-snake venom production centre would require at least 7 billion naira in investment, though rising exchange rates could push these costs even higher, presenting a significant financial challenge for resource-constrained health systems.
Essential Preventive Measures and First Aid
Health experts have outlined crucial steps for snakebite victims to improve survival chances:
- Wash the bite area thoroughly with soap and water.
- Avoid using the affected limb to prevent venom spread.
- Refrain from tying the limb or cutting the bite area.
- Avoid applying or ingesting traditional concoctions.
- Seek immediate hospital treatment without delay.
Medical professionals also urge individuals who suspect a snakebite but are uncertain to visit a hospital for proper diagnosis and confirmation, as timely intervention can mean the difference between life and death.
The Kaltungo Snakebite Treatment Hospital continues to serve thousands of patients each year from Nigeria and neighboring countries including Cameroon, Niger, and Chad, despite operating with limited supplies and facing constant budgetary constraints. This facility represents both the scale of the crisis and the potential for effective intervention when adequate resources are available.
