Many Nigerian Hospitals Unable to Treat Snakebites Despite Presence of 29 Species – New Report
A new global report has revealed that at least half of Nigeria’s healthcare facilities are ill-equipped to manage snakebite envenoming, raising serious concerns about preventable deaths and disabilities in the country.
Published by the Strike Out Snakebite (SOS) initiative in observance of World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day 2026 on January 30, the report highlights how weak health systems, poor infrastructure, and chronic shortages of antivenom continue to contribute to high mortality rates and long-term complications, particularly in countries with a heavy snakebite burden such as Nigeria.
The findings are drawn from a survey of 904 frontline healthcare workers across Nigeria, Brazil, India, Indonesia, and Kenya — nations that collectively account for a significant portion of global snakebite cases. In Nigeria, 50 percent of respondents said their facilities do not have the full capacity to treat snakebite patients, while 99 percent reported difficulties in administering antivenom, the only treatment endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as essential for snakebite care.
The situation in Nigeria was described as particularly alarming, with 98 percent of healthcare workers noting challenges in providing antivenom. The country is home to 29 snake species, nearly 41 percent of which are venomous, yet victims frequently struggle to receive timely medical attention, according to the report.
Healthcare workers identified several urgent needs, including improved access to healthcare, higher-quality antivenom, stronger regulation, expanded training for medical personnel, and increased public education to reduce risky behaviors. Delays in patients reaching healthcare facilities (57 percent), inadequate infrastructure and equipment (56 percent), and insufficient training and clinical guidelines (42 percent) were cited as major contributors to avoidable deaths and disabilities.
The report comes in the wake of public outrage following the death of Abuja-based musician Ifunanya Nwangene, who reportedly visited two hospitals unable to provide antivenom before she passed away.
The study also found that 35 percent of healthcare workers experience daily shortages of antivenom, while over 77 percent reported dangerous delays in patients seeking treatment, often because victims initially turn to traditional remedies.
