The Federal Government has provided the Benue State Government with 100 vials of Panaf Premium anti-snake venom valued at ₦25 million as part of efforts to improve access to treatment for snakebite victims. The intervention comes amid concerns over the increasing cases of snakebites in the state and the high cost of anti-venom, which has placed considerable financial pressure on affected families.
The donation was formally handed over at the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services in Makurdi. State Health Commissioner Dr. Paul Ogwuche said the support would help reduce the burden on vulnerable residents and complement the state government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly following cases involving internally displaced persons, including the recent death of a 14-year-old boy who was reportedly bitten by a snake.
The consignment will be properly documented, stored and distributed through the state’s pharmaceutical management system to ensure it reaches patients who genuinely require it. Benue officials expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for responding to the state’s request, noting that the intervention will strengthen the state’s capacity to provide timely treatment and potentially prevent more deaths from snakebite complications.
