The Association of Resident Doctors, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (ARD-UITH), has called for the provision of snake antivenom at Primary Healthcare (PHC) facilities across Nigeria to improve survival rates from snakebites.
The President of the association, Dr Ezekiel Adeshina, made the call on Wednesday in Ilorin, following the recent death of Nigerian artist Ifunanya Nwangene from a snakebite.
Adeshina said making antivenom readily available at the primary healthcare level would facilitate faster treatment, particularly in rural communities where most snakebites occur.
According to him, prompt administration of antivenom significantly reduces complications and mortality.
“Early response and timely treatment with antivenom can greatly reduce snakebite-related deaths,” he said.
Adeshina, a Senior Registrar in General Surgery at UITH, stressed that PHC facilities, especially in rural areas, should be adequately equipped with antivenom and staffed with trained personnel capable of managing snakebite cases.
He explained that snake venom is a complex mixture of proteins, enzymes and toxins used by snakes to immobilise prey and for defence.
“When bitten by a snake, the first thing is to avoid panic, as panic can worsen the spread of venom in the bloodstream.
“Remove the victim from danger, identify and clean the bite site with antiseptic, try to identify the snake, and quickly transport the person to a hospital with antivenom facilities,” he advised.
He cautioned against tying the affected limb, noting that doing so could concentrate toxins in one area and potentially worsen complications when the tie is released.
Adeshina also advised residents to use anti-snake repellents around their homes and seal cracks or openings in walls to prevent snakes from hiding within compounds.
In his reaction, the President of Resident Doctors at the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH), Dr Abdulfatai Abdulazeez, described snake venom as a toxic secretion injected through fangs during a bite.
He said the venom contains biologically active substances that can damage nerves, destroy tissues and interfere with blood clotting.
“In humans, snake venom can cause local pain and swelling, paralysis, bleeding disorders, organ failure or death if not treated promptly,” he said.
Abdulazeez acknowledged the important role of PHCs in early recognition, first aid, stabilisation and referral of snakebite victims.
However, he noted that definitive treatment, including antivenom administration, should ideally be carried out in well-equipped secondary or tertiary health facilities.
He added that KWASUTH currently stocks Polyvenom, an antivenom used to treat bites from venomous snakes, particularly those in the Elapidae family such as cobras, kraits and mambas.