The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has assured residents of the nation’s capital, Abuja, that antivenom is fully stocked and readily accessible across all FCTA-owned hospitals and public health centres
This assurance is coming few days after the death of singer and social media influencer, Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene, which triggered widespread anger and allegations of medical negligence.
The Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, in a statement on Monday, asked residents not panic, as the territory maintains adequate supplies of both polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms kept under strict quality control.
Fasawe in the statement which she personally signed, disclosed that, “different forms and types of anti-snake venom are widely available across FCTA-owned hospitals and public health facilities.
“Stocking decisions are guided by collaboration with veterinary doctors, who help identify the most common snake species (venom strains) in the FCT.
“Accordingly, polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms are maintained, centrally stored in FCTA owned Abuja Central Medical Stores, and directly managed by the Secretariat to ensure quality, cold-chain integrity, and availability.”
The Mandate Secretary’s assurance follows public outrage over the death of the young influencer, Ifunanya Nwangene, who was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, with many alleging that the facility had no antivenom to administer when she arrived for treatment.
However FMC Jabi, in its official explanation, dismissed the claims as unfounded, insisting the late Ifunanya was brought in long after the bite and was already exhibiting advanced neurotoxic symptoms.
According to the hospital, she presented with respiratory distress and neurological deterioration, conditions that significantly reduce the likelihood of survival even where antivenom is available. The facility said its medical team initiated emergency protocols but the severity of her condition left little room for recovery.
Dr Fasawe, while condoling with the family, said the death must serve as a turning point for emergency preparedness and public awareness.
She said, “The loss of a promising young life is deeply painful and distressing. I share in the family’s grief and reaffirm that such medically preventable deaths must be taken seriously, with strengthened measures to prevent recurrence.”
The FCTA Secretary described snakebites as a preventable public health emergency, warning that venomous species including cobras, vipers and puff adders, are present across the FCT’s expanding urban and peri-urban areas.
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