Barely days after a fast-rising Nigerian music star, Ifunanya Nwangene reportedly died from complications linked to a snakebite, public health experts have renewed warnings that snakebite envenoming remains one of Nigeria’s most deadly but neglected health emergencies.
Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, a retired Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health, described snakebite as a “silent killer” that continues to claim lives quietly, particularly among farmers, herders and rural dwellers who form the backbone of the nation’s food system.
Speaking in an interview on Monday in Abuja, Anyaike noted that snakebite envenoming is classified as a highest-priority Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) and remains a major public health threat in Nigeria.
Recent data presented during activities marking World NTD Day 2026 indicate that Nigeria is among the world’s highest-burden countries for snakebite envenoming, with the Carpet Viper (Echis ocellatus) responsible for more than 60 per cent of reported cases nationwide.
According to Anyaike, the death of the young entertainer — which has sparked public grief and debate on social media — mirrors the daily reality faced by thousands of Nigerians in rural communities whose cases rarely make headlines.
“Snakebite is not selective. It affects farmers in the fields, herders in grazing routes, and now, as we have seen, even public figures. But the difference is that rural victims often die unnoticed,” he said.
Despite the availability of effective antivenom, outcomes remain poor due to late hospital presentation, weak health systems and widespread dependence on traditional remedies.
“About 82 per cent of snakebite victims first seek traditional treatment. These delays significantly increase the risk of death or permanent disability,” Anyaike explained.
He stressed that snakebite is not merely a medical emergency but a socio-economic crisis.
“When a farmer is bitten, the consequences extend beyond the individual. Household income drops, food production suffers and entire communities become more vulnerable,” he said.
Findings also show that nearly half of health facilities in high-burden areas lack the capacity to administer antivenom, owing to shortages of trained personnel, inadequate cold-chain systems and inconsistent supply of lifesaving drugs.
As a result, specialised centres such as the Kaltungo Snakebite Hospital in Gombe State, along with a few facilities in Bauchi State, have become referral hubs for severe cases — underscoring the limited distribution of functional snakebite treatment centres across the country.
Anyaike emphasised that prevention remains one of the most effective ways to reduce snakebite incidence, particularly among rural residents.
He advised the use of torches or flashlights when walking outdoors at night, wearing thick knee-high boots and long trousers on farms or in tall grass, and keeping surroundings clear of debris, woodpiles and overgrown vegetation where snakes often hide.
He also highlighted the importance of proper first aid.
“If a bite occurs, time is life. Victims should remain calm, move away from the snake, immobilise the affected limb and seek immediate medical attention,” he said.
He warned against harmful practices such as tying tourniquets, cutting or sucking the wound, or applying herbs, noting that such actions often worsen injuries and increase the risk of infection, tissue damage and amputation.
“These practices do not neutralise venom. Delays in accessing antivenom remain the leading cause of snakebite deaths in Nigeria,” he added.
As Nigeria aligns with the World Health Organisation’s target of reducing snakebite deaths and disabilities by 50 per cent by 2030, Anyaike called for improved antivenom access, stronger rural health infrastructure and sustained public awareness campaigns.
“The recent loss of a young music talent should serve as a wake-up call,” he said.
“Snakebite envenoming deserves urgent national attention. With awareness, early treatment and proper investment in the health system, thousands of lives can be saved every year.”
reportedly died from complications linked to a snakebite, public health experts have renewed warnings that snakebite envenoming remains one of Nigeria’s most deadly but neglected health emergencies.
Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, a retired Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health, described snakebite as a “silent killer” that continues to claim lives quietly, particularly among farmers, herders and rural dwellers who form the backbone of the nation’s food system.
Speaking in an interview on Monday in Abuja, Anyaike noted that snakebite envenoming is classified as a highest-priority Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) and remains a major public health threat in Nigeria.
Recent data presented during activities marking World NTD Day 2026 indicate that Nigeria is among the world’s highest-burden countries for snakebite envenoming, with the Carpet Viper (Echis ocellatus) responsible for more than 60 per cent of reported cases nationwide.
According to Anyaike, the death of the young entertainer — which has sparked public grief and debate on social media — mirrors the daily reality faced by thousands of Nigerians in rural communities whose cases rarely make headlines.
“Snakebite is not selective. It affects farmers in the fields, herders in grazing routes, and now, as we have seen, even public figures. But the difference is that rural victims often die unnoticed,” he said.
Despite the availability of effective antivenom, outcomes remain poor due to late hospital presentation, weak health systems and widespread dependence on traditional remedies.
“About 82 per cent of snakebite victims first seek traditional treatment. These delays significantly increase the risk of death or permanent disability,” Anyaike explained.
He stressed that snakebite is not merely a medical emergency but a socio-economic crisis.
“When a farmer is bitten, the consequences extend beyond the individual. Household income drops, food production suffers and entire communities become more vulnerable,” he said.
Findings also show that nearly half of health facilities in high-burden areas lack the capacity to administer antivenom, owing to shortages of trained personnel, inadequate cold-chain systems and inconsistent supply of lifesaving drugs.
As a result, specialised centres such as the Kaltungo Snakebite Hospital in Gombe State, along with a few facilities in Bauchi State, have become referral hubs for severe cases — underscoring the limited distribution of functional snakebite treatment centres across the country.
Anyaike emphasised that prevention remains one of the most effective ways to reduce snakebite incidence, particularly among rural residents.
He advised the use of torches or flashlights when walking outdoors at night, wearing thick knee-high boots and long trousers on farms or in tall grass, and keeping surroundings clear of debris, woodpiles and overgrown vegetation where snakes often hide.
He also highlighted the importance of proper first aid.
“If a bite occurs, time is life. Victims should remain calm, move away from the snake, immobilise the affected limb and seek immediate medical attention,” he said.
He warned against harmful practices such as tying tourniquets, cutting or sucking the wound, or applying herbs, noting that such actions often worsen injuries and increase the risk of infection, tissue damage and amputation.
“These practices do not neutralise venom. Delays in accessing antivenom remain the leading cause of snakebite deaths in Nigeria,” he added.
As Nigeria aligns with the World Health Organisation’s target of reducing snakebite deaths and disabilities by 50 per cent by 2030, Anyaike called for improved antivenom access, stronger rural health infrastructure and sustained public awareness campaigns.
“The recent loss of a young music talent should serve as a wake-up call,” he said.
“Snakebite envenoming deserves urgent national attention. With awareness, early treatment and proper investment in the health system, thousands of lives can be saved every year.”
reportedly died from complications linked to a snakebite, public health experts have renewed warnings that snakebite envenoming remains one of Nigeria’s most deadly but neglected health emergencies.
Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, a retired Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health, described snakebite as a “silent killer” that continues to claim lives quietly, particularly among farmers, herders and rural dwellers who form the backbone of the nation’s food system.
Speaking in an interview on Monday in Abuja, Anyaike noted that snakebite envenoming is classified as a highest-priority Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) and remains a major public health threat in Nigeria.
Recent data presented during activities marking World NTD Day 2026 indicate that Nigeria is among the world’s highest-burden countries for snakebite envenoming, with the Carpet Viper (Echis ocellatus) responsible for more than 60 per cent of reported cases nationwide.
According to Anyaike, the death of the young entertainer — which has sparked public grief and debate on social media — mirrors the daily reality faced by thousands of Nigerians in rural communities whose cases rarely make headlines.
“Snakebite is not selective. It affects farmers in the fields, herders in grazing routes, and now, as we have seen, even public figures. But the difference is that rural victims often die unnoticed,” he said.
Despite the availability of effective antivenom, outcomes remain poor due to late hospital presentation, weak health systems and widespread dependence on traditional remedies.
“About 82 per cent of snakebite victims first seek traditional treatment. These delays significantly increase the risk of death or permanent disability,” Anyaike explained.
He stressed that snakebite is not merely a medical emergency but a socio-economic crisis.
“When a farmer is bitten, the consequences extend beyond the individual. Household income drops, food production suffers and entire communities become more vulnerable,” he said.
Findings also show that nearly half of health facilities in high-burden areas lack the capacity to administer antivenom, owing to shortages of trained personnel, inadequate cold-chain systems and inconsistent supply of lifesaving drugs.
As a result, specialised centres such as the Kaltungo Snakebite Hospital in Gombe State, along with a few facilities in Bauchi State, have become referral hubs for severe cases — underscoring the limited distribution of functional snakebite treatment centres across the country.
Anyaike emphasised that prevention remains one of the most effective ways to reduce snakebite incidence, particularly among rural residents.
He advised the use of torches or flashlights when walking outdoors at night, wearing thick knee-high boots and long trousers on farms or in tall grass, and keeping surroundings clear of debris, woodpiles and overgrown vegetation where snakes often hide.
He also highlighted the importance of proper first aid.
“If a bite occurs, time is life. Victims should remain calm, move away from the snake, immobilise the affected limb and seek immediate medical attention,” he said.
He warned against harmful practices such as tying tourniquets, cutting or sucking the wound, or applying herbs, noting that such actions often worsen injuries and increase the risk of infection, tissue damage and amputation.
“These practices do not neutralise venom. Delays in accessing antivenom remain the leading cause of snakebite deaths in Nigeria,” he added.
As Nigeria aligns with the World Health Organisation’s target of reducing snakebite deaths and disabilities by 50 per cent by 2030, Anyaike called for improved antivenom access, stronger rural health infrastructure and sustained public awareness campaigns.
“The recent loss of a young music talent should serve as a wake-up call,” he said.
“Snakebite envenoming deserves urgent national attention. With awareness, early treatment and proper investment in the health system, thousands of lives can be saved every year.”
