The Federal Capital Territory Administration has renewed its commitment to eliminating snakebite-related deaths in the nation’s capital, describing the problem as a largely preventable public health emergency, following the death of Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene.

The Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, expressed condolences to the family, saying the loss of a young Nigerian to neurotoxic complications from a snakebite was painful and unacceptable.

“The loss of such a young life is deeply distressing. Medically preventable deaths like this must be taken seriously, and we are strengthening measures to ensure that such tragedies do not recur,” she said.

Fasawe noted that snakebites remain a persistent risk in Nigeria due to highly venomous species such as cobras, vipers and puff adders, which often stray close to human settlements. She urged residents to treat all snakebites as venomous until proven otherwise and to seek immediate medical attention.

She advised residents to adopt preventive measures, including wearing protective clothing while farming or walking through tall grass, clearing debris around homes, sealing entry points, avoiding dark areas at night or using flashlights, and never attempting to handle snakes.

In the event of a bite, residents were told to remain calm, immobilise the affected limb below heart level, remove tight items such as rings or bangles, gently clean the wound and proceed immediately to the nearest hospital with antivenom. The FCTA warned against harmful traditional practices such as cutting or sucking the wound, applying tourniquets, ice or herbal remedies.

Fasawe said different types of anti-snake venom are available in all FCTA-owned hospitals and public health facilities, adding that procurement is guided by collaboration with veterinary experts who help identify prevalent snake species and venom strains in the FCT.

According to her, both polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms are centrally stored at the Abuja Central Medical Stores, where strict quality control and cold-chain management are maintained.

While stressing that early administration of antivenom significantly improves survival, she cautioned that recovery is not always guaranteed once severe neurotoxic symptoms set in, underscoring the need for rapid evacuation and early treatment.

She also disclosed that the FCTA has strengthened road infrastructure and deployed 12 fully equipped ambulances to support prompt emergency response.

FCT hospitals, she said, are equipped to provide antivenom administration, safe immobilisation without tourniquets, close monitoring for adverse reactions and comprehensive supportive care, with tertiary services such as ICU admission, airway management, coagulation monitoring and blood transfusion available when required.

“Any facility found negligent will face appropriate sanctions,” Fasawe said.

Residents were urged to contact the FCT Emergency Medical System and Ambulance Services in emergencies via 090157892931 or 090157892932.