At least half of Nigeria’s health facilities lack the capacity to treat snakebite envenoming, a new global report has revealed, exposing dangerous gaps that continue to claim lives from a preventable condition.
The report, released by the Strike Out Snakebite (SOS) initiative to mark World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day 2026, blamed weak health systems, poor infrastructure and chronic shortages of life-saving antivenom for avoidable deaths and long-term disabilities, particularly in high-burden countries such as Nigeria.
Based on a survey of 904 frontline healthcare workers across Nigeria, Brazil, India, Indonesia and Kenya, the report found that 50 per cent of respondents said their facilities lacked full capacity to manage snakebite cases, while 99 per cent reported difficulties administering antivenom, the only treatment recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as essential for snakebite care.
Nigeria’s situation was described as especially alarming, with 98 per cent of health workers surveyed reporting challenges in administering antivenom.
“Nigeria is home to 29 snake species, nearly 41 per cent of which are venomous, yet many victims still struggle to access timely medical care,” the report stated.
Healthcare workers identified urgent priorities, including improved access to care, better-quality antivenom, stronger regulation, expanded training and wider community education to reduce risky behaviours.
Key contributors to avoidable deaths and disabilities included delays in patients reaching health facilities (57 per cent), poor infrastructure and inadequate equipment (56 per cent), and lack of training and clinical guidelines (42 per cent).
The findings come amid growing concern over real-life consequences, following the reported death of Abuja-based music talent Ifunanya Nwangene, who allegedly visited two hospitals unable to administer antivenom before she died.
The report also revealed that 35 per cent of healthcare workers face daily antivenom shortages, while over 77 per cent reported life-threatening delays in patients seeking care, often due to reliance on traditional remedies. According to 44 per cent of respondents, these delays have resulted in amputations or major surgeries, pushing many affected families into poverty.
Snakebite envenoming was described as a crisis of inequality, disproportionately affecting rural communities, children and agricultural workers living far from well-equipped health facilities.
“Snakebite envenoming kills roughly one person every five minutes worldwide, yet remains severely underreported and underfunded despite being preventable and treatable,” the report said.
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, said snakebite causes up to 138,000 deaths annually, leaving another 400,000 people with permanent disabilities.
“It is baffling that one of the deadliest neglected tropical diseases remains largely invisible to global decision-makers and donors,” he said, stressing that no one should die from snakebite envenoming.
As Sy added that frontline health workers are battling a deadly disease within fragile and under-resourced systems, urging governments, donors and investors to act.
The report also highlighted simple preventive measures including wearing protective footwear, using mosquito nets, carrying torches at night and avoiding snake habitats which could significantly reduce risk, particularly in rural areas.
Executive Secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), Joy Phumaphi, said snakebite envenoming continues to kill vulnerable people despite being preventable, calling for stronger advocacy and country-led solutions.
SOS warned that snakebite envenoming currently receives only a fraction of the funding required, despite causing up to 138,000 deaths and 400,000 permanent disabilities globally every year.
