The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has promised to take proper and efficient measures to reduce snakebite-related deaths across the territory.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Mandate Secretary,
Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, expressed
her deepest condolences to the family of Ms. Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene, who
recently passed away following neurotoxic complications from a snakebite.
“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,” Fasawe said.
She warned that snakebites remain a largely preventable
public health emergency, noting that snakes inhabit rainforests, grasslands,
farms, and semi-arid areas, often hiding near human dwellings.
Stating that hughly venomous species such as cobras, vipers,
and puff adders are present in Nigeria, she insisted that all snakebites should
be treated as venomous until proven otherwise.
Fasawe advised residents to adopt preventive measures,
including wearing protective clothing when farming or walking in tall grass,
avoiding dark areas at night or using flashlights, clearing debris around
homes, sealing entry points, and never handling snakes.
In the event of a bite, she recommended immediate first aid
such as staying calm, immobilising the affected limb below heart level,
removing constrictive items, gently cleaning the wound, and proceeding
immediately to a hospital with antivenom. She cautioned against harmful
practices like cutting or sucking the wound, using tourniquets, applying ice,
or relying on herbal remedies.
The FCTA assured that different types of anti-snake venom
are widely available in FCTA-owned hospitals and public health facilities.
“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 said.
She also highlighted that prompt treatment is critical.
While antivenom is most effective when administered early,
recovery is not guaranteed if neurotoxic symptoms have already developed,
underscoring the need for rapid evacuation.
To reduce response times, FCTA has expanded road networks
and recently procured 12 ambulances equipped to manage emergencies. Hospitals
provide antivenom administration, immobilisation, monitoring for adverse
reactions, and supportive care. Tertiary care, including ICU admission, airway
management, coagulation monitoring, and blood transfusion services, is also
available.
Fasawe emphasised that all healthcare facilities, public and
private, must adhere strictly to approved clinical protocols. “Monitoring and
enforcement will be intensified, and facilities found negligent will face
sanctions,” she said.
For emergencies, residents are advised to contact the FCT
Emergency Medical System and Ambulance Services at 090157892931 or
090157892932.
The FCTA reiterated its commitment to strengthening
emergency systems, enforcing quality healthcare standards, and protecting the
lives of all residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com