By Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has donated 100 vials of Panaf Premium Anti-Snake Venom (ASV), valued at more than N25 million, to the Benue State Government to support the treatment of snakebite victims across the state.
The intervention is expected to improve access to timely treatment for snakebite victims and reduce the financial burden associated with the high cost of anti-snake venom, particularly for vulnerable families.
The donation is part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to reduce illness and deaths associated with snakebites and strengthen access to essential healthcare services across the country.
The Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche, formally presented the consignment on Friday at his office in Makurdi.
Ogwuche said the intervention reflected the proactive leadership of Governor Hyacinth Alia and the commitment of the state Ministry of Health and Human Services to addressing critical healthcare challenges through strategic partnerships.
He commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Aliu Pate, and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for responding positively to the state’s request for assistance.
According to him, the Federal Government’s intervention would complement the efforts of the state government to make essential healthcare services more accessible, especially to vulnerable residents.
The commissioner said the availability of the anti-snake venom would help reduce the financial pressure on families affected by snakebite incidents while improving victims’ access to prompt treatment.
He assured that the ministry would ensure the proper documentation, storage, distribution and rational utilisation of the medicines to guarantee that the lifesaving drugs reach patients who genuinely need them.
Receiving the consignment on behalf of the ministry, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Cephas Hough, 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 effectively to snakebite cases while reducing the treatment burden on affected residents.
He particularly commended the Health Commissioner for his proactive engagement with the Federal Ministry, which facilitated the donation of the anti-snake venom to the state.
The Permanent Secretary noted that the development further demonstrated the importance of sustained collaboration between the Federal and state governments in tackling critical public health challenges.
The consignment was subsequently handed over to the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Pharmacist Regina Chi-Chi Agir, for documentation, storage and warehousing in line with established pharmaceutical management procedures.
The donation is expected to strengthen access to lifesaving treatment for snakebite victims in Benue and support ongoing efforts by the state government to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent residents from accessing essential healthcare services.
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