Mandating Snake Antivenom Availability in Government and Private Hospitals: A Legislative Imperative for Nigeria

Abstract

Snakebite envenoming remains a major neglected tropical disease and public health emergency in Nigeria, with an estimated 43,000 cases annually, resulting in approximately 1,900 deaths and over 2,400 cases of amputations or permanent disabilities, predominantly affecting rural agricultural workers exposed to venomous species like the carpet viper (Echis ocellatus). Recent events, including the tragic death of Ms. Ifunanya Nwangene on January 31, 2026, in Abuja – due to unavailability of complete antivenom despite seeking prompt care, point to systemic failures in supply, stocking, and access, even in urban centers. Key challenges include chronic antivenom shortages in peripheral facilities, inadequate cold chain infrastructure leading to treatment delays, exorbitant costs, and the proliferation of substandard or counterfeit imports that compromise efficacy and safety. This brief Recommendations are: • The National Assembly may wish to advise the executive to establish a National Antivenom Production Authority under the Federal Ministry of Health, with the mandate to oversee local production, quality control, and distribution of antivenom in Nigeria. • The National Assembly may wish to amend the National Health Act to explicitly incorporate snakebite envenoming as a priority public health issue. • The National Assembly may wish to exercise its constitutional oversight powers over NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control) by issuing appropriate directives, resolutions, or legislative guidance aimed at strengthening the regulation of antivenom imports. • The National Assembly may also wish to advise the executive to implement a policy ensuring the provision of free antivenom in all government hospitals and health facilities, given that the high cost of a single vial makes it unaffordable for many victims, particularly in rural and low-income communities.