By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA ), on Tuesday, said antivenom is fully stocked and readily accessible across the public hospitals and health centres.
Mandate secretary, FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe gave the assurance days after the death of singer and social media influencer, Ifunanya Nwangene, that sparked reactions.
Recall that death of the young influencer, Ifunanya Nwangene, was linked to lack of antivenom, 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.
But 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.
Fasawe asked residents not to panic, as the administration maintains adequate supplies of both polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms kept under strict quality control.
The statement reads, “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.”
Fasawe, while condoling with the family, said the death must serve as a turning point for emergency preparedness and public awareness.
According to the her, “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.”
She 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.
