The Federal Government has donated 100 vials of Panaf Premium Anti-Snake Venom, valued at more than N25 million, to the Benue State Government to strengthen the treatment of snakebite victims and help curb recent deaths linked to snakebites in the state.
The consignment was formally presented on Friday at the headquarters of the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services in Makurdi.
The intervention was made by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare following concerns over snakebite cases in Benue and the financial burden associated with obtaining anti-snake venom, particularly for vulnerable residents.
The donation is expected to improve access to prompt treatment for victims and support the state government’s efforts to reduce illness and fatalities associated with snakebites.
Presenting the consignment, Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, said the intervention reflected the commitment of the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia to improving healthcare delivery through strategic partnerships.
Ogwuche commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Aliu Pate, and the Federal Ministry of Health for responding positively to the state’s request for assistance.
He said the availability of the anti-snake venom would help reduce the financial pressure on affected families while ensuring that victims have better access to lifesaving treatment.
According to him, the federal intervention would complement ongoing efforts by the state government to make essential healthcare services more accessible, particularly to vulnerable residents.
“We appreciate the Federal Government for responding positively to the state’s request for assistance,” Ogwuche said, stressing the importance of collaboration between the federal and state governments in addressing critical health challenges.
He assured that the state Ministry of Health would ensure proper documentation, storage, distribution and rational utilisation of the donated medicines.
The commissioner said the measures were necessary to ensure that the anti-snake venom reaches patients who genuinely require it and is managed in line with established pharmaceutical procedures.
Receiving the consignment on behalf of the ministry, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Cephas Hough, expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for what he described as a timely intervention.
Hough said the donation would strengthen Benue’s capacity to respond to snakebite cases and reduce the treatment burden on victims and their families.
He also commended Ogwuche for engaging the Federal Ministry of Health to secure the intervention, describing the development as an example of the importance of sustained cooperation between the two levels of government.
The consignment was subsequently handed over to the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Pharmacist Regina Chi-Chi Agir, for documentation, storage and warehousing in accordance with established pharmaceutical management procedures.
The donation comes against the backdrop of recent concerns over snakebite deaths in parts of Benue.
Snakebites remain a significant public health concern in communities where access to timely medical treatment can be limited. Delays in obtaining appropriate anti-snake venom can increase the risk of severe complications and death.
The Federal Government’s latest intervention is therefore expected to provide immediate support to health facilities treating snakebite victims in Benue, while reducing the cost of accessing the medicine for affected families.
The state health authorities are expected to distribute the donated vials through appropriate medical channels and ensure that they are available to patients who need them.
The development also highlights the need for continued public awareness about snakebite prevention and the importance of seeking prompt medical attention after a snakebite rather than relying solely on traditional remedies.
With the latest donation, health authorities hope to strengthen Benue’s response to snakebite emergencies and prevent further avoidable deaths across the state.
