Global Report Reveals Critical Lack of Capacity in Nigerian Health Facilities for Snakebite Treatment

A recent global report indicates that more than half of health facilities in Nigeria lack the necessary capacity to adequately manage snakebite envenomation cases, raising concerns about preventable deaths and long-term disabilities. The report, released by the Strike Snakebite So Initiative on World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2026, underscores the challenges faced by frontline healthcare workers in countries like Nigeria, Brazil, India, Indonesia, and Kenya.

According to the survey of 904 healthcare workers, 50% of respondents reported a lack of full capacity to manage snakebite cases, with 99% facing difficulties in administering antivenom treatment. The situation in Nigeria is particularly alarming, with 98% of healthcare workers reporting challenges in antivenom administration.

The report emphasizes the urgent need to improve access to care, enhance the quality of antivenom, strengthen regulations, expand training, and increase community education to address the snakebite envenomation crisis. Despite causing 138,000 deaths annually globally, snakebite envenomation remains severely underreported and underfunded, highlighting the need for immediate action to ensure timely and effective treatment.