At least half of health facilities in Nigeria lack the capacity to adequately treat snakebite envenoming, a disturbing revelation that has renewed concerns over preventable deaths and life-long disabilities across the country. The findings are contained in a new global report released by the Strike Out Snakebite (SOS) initiative to mark World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day 2026, observed annually on January 30.
The report paints a grim picture of Nigeria’s preparedness to manage one of the world’s most neglected but deadly health emergencies. Weak health systems, inadequate infrastructure and chronic shortages of life-saving antivenom were identified as major drivers of high mortality rates and severe complications, particularly in high-burden countries such as Nigeria.
The SOS findings are based on a comprehensive survey of 904 frontline healthcare workers across five countries — Nigeria, Brazil, India, Indonesia and Kenya — which together account for a significant share of the global snakebite burden. According to the report, 50 per cent of healthcare workers said their facilities do not have the full capacity to manage snakebite cases effectively, while a staggering 99 per cent reported challenges in administering antivenom, the only treatment recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as essential for snakebite care.
Nigeria’s situation stood out as especially alarming. An overwhelming 98 per cent of Nigerian healthcare workers surveyed said they experience difficulties administering antivenom, underscoring the depth of the crisis in the country.
“Nigeria is home to 29 species of snakes, nearly 41 per cent of which are venomous, yet many victims still struggle to access timely and effective medical care,” the report stated, highlighting the dangerous mismatch between disease burden and health system capacity.
Frontline healthcare workers identified several urgent priorities, including improved access to care, availability of better-quality antivenom, stronger regulation of antivenom products, expanded training for health workers and increased community education to reduce risky behaviours that expose people to snakebites.
The report also outlined systemic factors driving avoidable deaths and disabilities. These include delays in patients reaching health facilities, cited by 57 per cent of respondents; poor infrastructure and inadequate equipment, identified by 56 per cent; and lack of training and absence of clear clinical guidelines, reported by 42 per cent of healthcare workers.
These findings have gained added resonance amid public outrage following the recent death of Abuja-based music talent, Ifunanya Nwangene. Reports indicated that she visited two hospitals that were unable to administer antivenom before she died, a tragedy that has reignited national debate about the readiness of Nigeria’s health system to handle snakebite emergencies.
The SOS report further revealed that 35 per cent of healthcare workers face daily shortages of antivenom, while more than 77 per cent reported life-threatening delays in patients seeking treatment. These delays are often linked to victims initially resorting to traditional remedies or spiritual interventions before turning to hospitals, by which time the effects of venom may have become severe or irreversible.
Alarmingly, 44 per cent of respondents said such avoidable delays have resulted in amputations or major surgical procedures. These outcomes frequently push affected individuals and families deeper into poverty, compounding the social and economic toll of snakebite envenoming.
The report described snakebite envenoming as a crisis of inequality, disproportionately affecting rural communities, children and agricultural workers who live far from well-equipped health facilities. For many in these communities, a snakebite can quickly escalate from a survivable injury into a death sentence due to distance, cost and lack of timely care.
Globally, the scale of the problem is staggering. “Snakebite envenoming kills roughly one person every five minutes worldwide, yet remains severely underreported and underfunded despite being preventable and treatable,” the report noted.
Commenting on the findings, Co-Chair of the Global Snakebite Taskforce and Chancellor of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Elhadj As Sy, described the situation as an urgent global emergency demanding immediate attention.
“Snakebite envenoming causes up to 138,000 deaths every year — one person every five minutes — and leaves a further 400,000 people with permanent disabilities,” he said. “It is baffling that one of the deadliest neglected tropical diseases remains largely invisible to global decision-makers, donors and funders.”
Elhadj As Sy stressed that no one should be dying from snakebite envenoming, describing the condition as both preventable and treatable. He called for urgent action to ensure that snakebite no longer claims lives in Nigeria and other vulnerable regions.
He also highlighted the immense burden borne by frontline healthcare workers, who are often expected to manage complex snakebite cases within fragile and under-resourced health systems.
“Too often, conversations on global health overlook those who shoulder the greatest burden — frontline healthcare workers,” he said. “This report shines a light on the severe challenges they face. Many solutions exist, but political will and bold commitments from governments, partners and investors are needed to turn the tide on this preventable yet devastating disease.”
According to the report, snakebite victims often endure long and difficult journeys to reach care, only to encounter facilities with limited infrastructure and scarce or unaffordable antivenom. These barriers transform what should be a manageable medical emergency into a life-threatening crisis.
Beyond treatment, the report emphasised the importance of prevention. Simple measures such as wearing protective footwear, using mosquito nets while sleeping, carrying torches at night and avoiding known snake habitats could significantly reduce the risk of snakebites, particularly in rural and farming communities.
Elhadj As Sy urged governments to move decisively. “As Co-Chair of the Global Snakebite Taskforce, my mission is simple: to bring snakebite out of the shadows and demand attention, action and resources from the international community,” he said. “The solutions exist. The deaths are preventable. Frontline healthcare workers have spoken. I invite you to listen. Stand with them.”
Echoing this call, Executive Secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), Joy Phumaphi, reaffirmed the need for collective action. “Snakebite envenoming continues to take the lives of vulnerable people despite being preventable,” she said. “On World NTD Day, ALMA reaffirms our commitment to strengthen prevention and control through advocacy and country-led solutions. Unite. Act. Eliminate NTDs.”
The SOS report concluded by calling on governments, philanthropists, multilateral agencies and industry stakeholders to scale up investment in research, expand the production of affordable and high-quality antivenom, modernise health infrastructure and integrate snakebite prevention and treatment into national health plans.
Despite causing up to 138,000 deaths and 400,000 permanent disabilities globally each year, snakebite envenoming continues to receive only a fraction of the funding required to address it. Without urgent action, the report warned, thousands of Nigerians will continue to die or live with avoidable disabilities from a disease that the world already knows how to prevent and treat.
