The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has urged the Federal Government to make antivenom free across the country to reduce snakebite-related deaths.
The association also called for local production of antivenom to address over 2,000 preventable deaths recorded every year in Nigeria.
The appeal followed the death of Abuja-based singer, Ifunanya Nwangene, as disclosed in a statement issued by the ACPN National Chairman, Mr Ambrose Eze, and reported by the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday.
Eze described the singer’s death as painful and tragic, expressing condolences to her family and others who have lost loved ones to snakebites.
He said snakebite envenoming remains one of Nigeria’s most neglected public health emergencies and requires urgent national attention.
According to him, Nigeria records at least 20,000 snakebite cases annually, leaving about 1,700 people permanently disabled.
He noted that rural residents, farmers, herders, women and children are the most affected.
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Eze said delays in accessing lifesaving antivenom, stock shortages and referral delays continue to worsen outcomes for victims.
He warned that any delay caused by high costs or lack of trained health workers could be fatal.
The ACPN called on the government to declare snakebite envenoming a National Health Priority and classify it as a Neglected Tropical Disease.
The association also proposed a one-off federal investment of about $12 million to establish a local antivenom production facility.
Eze said Nigeria currently spends almost the same amount yearly importing antivenoms.
The group further urged the inclusion of antivenom treatment under the National Health Insurance Scheme to reduce the N40,000 treatment cost.
It also condemned administrative interference in hospital Drug Revolving Funds, linking it to persistent drug shortages in public hospitals.
Citing the 2026 Global Strike Out Snakebite report, Eze said 98 per cent of Nigerian health workers face serious challenges in treating snakebite cases.
The ACPN recommended strengthening rural primary healthcare centres and working with traditional rulers to ensure early referral of victims.
It warned against harmful traditional practices, including the use of black stones, saying they delay proper treatment.
Eze said with strong political will and coordinated action, snakebite deaths and disabilities in Nigeria can be prevented.
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