Pharmacists urge free antivenom and local production to fight snakebite deaths
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to make antivenom available for free across the country. Ambrose Eze, the association’s National Chairman, highlighted the urgent need for local antivenom production due to the high number of preventable snakebite deaths each year. The appeal follows the death of Abuja-based singer Ifunanya Nwangene, which renewed concerns about delays in accessing lifesaving treatment. The group emphasized that snakebite envenoming remains a neglected public health emergency in Nigeria.
What we know
- The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria urged the government to provide free antivenom nationwide.
- Ambrose Eze called for local manufacturing, noting over 2,000 preventable snakebite deaths occur annually.
- The group expressed condolences over the death of Ifunanya Nwangene, citing it as a tragic loss and a sign of systemic issues.
- The association recommended a one-off federal investment of about $12 million to establish local antivenom production.
- They also called for antivenom to be covered by national health insurance and for better protection of hospital Drug Revolving Funds.
