SNAKEBITE SCARE: FCTA SAYS ANTIVENOM READY IN ITS HOSPITALS

After Ifunanya’s tragic death, Abuja authorities move to calm fears and explain what’s in place for snakebite emergencies.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has assured residents that its hospitals are well-stocked with anti-snake venom (ASV) and equipped to handle snakebite emergencies.

The assurance follows the death of popular TikTok singer Ifunanya Nwangene (Nanya), who reportedly died in Abuja after developing neurotoxic complications from a snakebite.

Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, described the loss as deeply painful, saying such “medically preventable deaths must be taken seriously.”

She explained that FCTA’s antivenom supply is guided by expert input, including veterinary doctors who help identify common snake species in the FCT. Polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms are centrally stored at the Abuja Central Medical Stores, with strict cold-chain and quality control.

However, she stressed that timing is everything. While antivenom works best when given early, recovery is not guaranteed once severe neurotoxic symptoms set in—making rapid evacuation critical.

To improve response, FCTA has deployed 12 new ambulances, expanded road access, and ensured hospitals can provide everything from antivenom administration and monitoring to ICU care and blood transfusions when needed.

Fasawe also warned that all public and private hospitals must follow approved treatment protocols, adding that enforcement will be stepped up and negligent facilities sanctioned.

Residents were advised to take preventive steps—like wearing protective clothing, avoiding dark areas, clearing bushes around homes—and to avoid harmful first-aid practices such as cutting or sucking bite wounds.

For emergencies, FCTA said residents can call 09157892931 or 09157892932.

The message: antivenom is available—but early hospital care saves lives.