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The Federal Government has donated 100 vials of anti-snake venom worth over N25 million to Benue State to combat recent deaths caused by snakebites. The donation is aimed at reducing the financial burden on victims and their families. According to the report, the consignment was formally presented on Friday at the headquarters of the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services in Makurdi.
Presenting the items was the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, who said the donation demonstrated the proactive leadership of Governor Hyacinth Alia and the ministry's commitment to using strategic partnerships to address critical health challenges. Ogwuche commended Governor Alia for his sustained commitment to improving healthcare delivery.
According to him, the Federal Government's intervention would complement the efforts of the Alia administration to make essential healthcare services more accessible, particularly to vulnerable residents. He assured that the Ministry would ensure proper documentation, storage, distribution, and rational utilisation of the consignment to guarantee that the lifesaving medicine reaches patients who genuinely require it.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the ministry was the Permanent Secretary, Dr Cephas Hough, who expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for the timely intervention. Hough said the donation would strengthen Benue's capacity to respond to snakebite cases while easing the treatment burden on affected residents.
The consignment was subsequently handed over to the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Regina Agir, for documentation, storage, and warehousing in line with established pharmaceutical management procedures. The ceremony was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Directors, and other senior officials of the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services.
The donation is a significant move towards addressing the rising number of snakebite-related deaths in Benue State. Snakebite is a major public health concern in the state, with many residents facing financial hardship due to the high cost of anti-snake venom. The Federal Government's intervention is expected to alleviate this burden and provide timely treatment to victims.
The Panaf Premium Anti-Snake Venom donated by the Federal Government is a lifesaving medicine that can treat various types of snakebites, including that of the deadly saw-scaled viper and the green mamba, which are common in Benue State. The medicine is administered in a hospital setting, and its availability will greatly improve the chances of survival for snakebite victims.
Governor Hyacinth Alia has been commended for his proactive approach to addressing public health challenges in Benue State. His leadership has ensured that the state remains a priority in the Federal Government's healthcare initiatives. The donation of anti-snake venom is a testament to his commitment to improving healthcare delivery in the state.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), snakebite is a major public health concern in many African countries, including Nigeria. Every year, snakebites kill over 81,000 people and leave many more with permanent disabilities. The situation is more dire in rural areas, where access to healthcare services is limited.
The Federal Government's donation of anti-snake venom to Benue State is a timely intervention that will greatly reduce the number of snakebite-related deaths in the state. The move also underscores the importance of collaboration between state and federal governments in addressing critical public health challenges.
The donation is a significant move towards addressing the rising number of snakebite-related deaths in Benue State. Snakebite is a major public health concern in the state, with many residents facing financial hardship due to the high cost of anti-snake venom. The Federal Government's intervention is expected to alleviate this burden and provide timely treatment to victims.