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FG moves to curb snakebite cases in Benue, donates 100 vials of anti-snake venom
The Federal Government has donated 100 vials of Panaf Premium anti-snake venom valued at N25 million to the Benue State Government to help tackle the increasing cases of snakebites in the state.
The intervention is expected to support victims, particularly those who may struggle to afford the high cost of anti-snake venom treatment.
The donation comes amid growing concerns over snakebite incidents in Benue, with some internally displaced persons (IDPs) also affected.
Recently, a 14-year-old IDP, Chagu Terhemen, from the Agagbe camp, reportedly died after being bitten by a snake.
The development has renewed concerns about the safety and access to urgent medical treatment for vulnerable residents, especially those living in IDP camps.
The consignment was formally presented on Friday at the headquarters of the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services in Makurdi.
The donation is part of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s broader efforts to reduce illness and deaths associated with snakebites across the country.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, who presented the consignment, said the intervention reflected the proactive leadership of the state governor, Hyacinth Alia, and the commitment of the State Ministry of Health and Human Services to leveraging strategic partnerships to address critical health challenges.
Ogwuche commended Governor Alia for his sustained commitment to improving healthcare delivery and protecting the lives and wellbeing of the people of Benue State.
He also expressed appreciation to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Aliu Pate, and the Federal Ministry for responding positively to the state’s request for support.
Ogwuche said, “The Federal Government’s intervention will complement the efforts of the Alia administration to make essential healthcare services more accessible, particularly to vulnerable residents.”
The Commissioner explained that the availability of the anti-snake venom would reduce the financial burden on affected families and improve access to prompt treatment for victims of snakebite.
Ogwuche assured that the ministry would ensure proper documentation, storage, distribution and rational utilisation of the consignment to guarantee that the lifesaving medicine reaches patients who genuinely require it.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the ministry, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Cephas Hough, expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for the timely intervention.
He said the “donation would strengthen the state’s capacity to respond to snakebite cases while easing the treatment burden on affected residents.”
Hough particularly commended the Commissioner for his proactive engagement with the Federal Ministry, which facilitated the attraction of the donation to Benue State.
He noted that the intervention underscored the value of sustained collaboration between the Federal and state governments in addressing critical public health challenges.
The consignment was subsequently handed over to the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Pharmacist Regina Chi-Chi Agir, for documentation, storage and warehousing in accordance with established pharmaceutical management procedures.
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