Nigeria's Snakebite Epidemic: 13 States Bear Highest Burden with 2,000 Annual Deaths
Health authorities in Nigeria have disclosed alarming statistics regarding snakebite incidents across the country, revealing an annual toll of approximately 20,000 cases and around 2,000 fatalities. This persistent public health crisis continues to disproportionately affect rural communities and agricultural workers, with thirteen states identified as having the highest incidence rates.
Annual Statistics Paint Grim Picture of Neglected Health Emergency
The Minister of State for Health, Olorunnimbe Mamora, presented these sobering figures during a recent press briefing in Abuja commemorating International Snakebite Awareness Day. According to the minister's disclosure, Nigeria consistently records an estimated 20,000 snakebite cases each year, resulting in approximately 2,000 deaths annually. Beyond the mortality rate, thousands of survivors face permanent disabilities including limb amputations due to delayed or inadequate medical treatment.
Mamora emphasized that snakebites represent a major cause of preventable deaths and disabilities, particularly in remote regions where healthcare access remains limited and anti-venom supplies are often insufficient. The data indicates that more than 1,700 victims annually suffer arm or leg amputations following severe complications from venomous bites.
Thirteen States Identified as High-Burden Regions
Health officials have pinpointed specific states experiencing the heaviest snakebite burden across Nigeria. The comprehensive list includes:
- Gombe
- Plateau
- Adamawa
- Bauchi
- Borno
- Nasarawa
- Enugu
- Kogi
- Kebbi
- Oyo
- Benue
- Taraba
These regions collectively represent areas where snakebite incidents have reached concerning levels, with Nigeria ranking among the world's most affected countries for this particular health emergency. In some localities, cases have escalated to epidemic proportions according to health monitoring reports.
Primary Culprits: Three Venomous Snake Species Responsible for Majority of Cases
Medical authorities have identified three primary snake species responsible for the overwhelming majority of dangerous bites across Nigeria. The Carpet Viper (Echis ocellatus) emerges as the most significant threat, accounting for approximately 90% of all snakebite incidents and 60% of related fatalities. This species is followed by the Cobra (Naja nigricolis) and the Puff Adder (Bitis arietans) as additional contributors to the national snakebite burden.
Health officials note that Nigeria records about 497 snakebite cases per 100,000 people, a statistic that underscores the widespread nature of this public health challenge. Recent increases in incidents have been attributed to excessive rainfall patterns that drive snakes closer to human settlements, combined with critical shortages of effective anti-venom treatments.
Government Data Reveals Three-Year Toll and Response Efforts
Additional figures provided by Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, Mamman Mahmuda, offer further insight into the scale of the crisis. Between January 2018 and December 2020, Nigeria documented 45,834 snakebite cases with 1,793 confirmed deaths. Mahmuda acknowledged that many incidents likely go unreported as victims in remote areas never reach healthcare facilities.
The data has reinforced government commitment to expanding access to safe, effective, and affordable anti-venom treatments nationwide. This initiative forms part of broader efforts to address what global health authorities classify as a neglected tropical disease and public health emergency.
Health experts have repeatedly warned that snakebites disproportionately impact agricultural workers and residents of poorly constructed homes, many of whom lack protective footwear and timely medical intervention. The World Health Organization continues to highlight snakebite envenomation as a significant health burden in tropical regions like Nigeria.
International Snakebite Awareness Day, observed annually on September 19, serves to spotlight the global scale of this health challenge and advocate for improved prevention, treatment, and education initiatives in affected regions worldwide.
