FG donates N25m anti-snake venom to Benue govt

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has donated 100 vials of Panaf Premium Anti-Snake Venom (ASV), valued at over N25 million, to the Benue State Government to treat snakebite victims across the state.
The emergency intervention addresses rising snakebite incidents and the prohibitive cost of antivenom, which frequently imposes severe financial distress on rural families.
Presenting the consignment in Makurdi, the Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche, commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, for answering the state’s appeal for support.
Dr. Ogwuche emphasized that the donation directly supports Governor Hyacinth Alia’s mandate to make essential healthcare accessible to vulnerable populations without crippling out-of-pocket costs.
To ensure equitable access, the Commissioner guaranteed proper documentation, cold-chain storage, and controlled distribution so the lifesaving drugs reach patients in critical need.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Cephas Hough, formally received the consignment and praised the Health Ministry’s proactive engagement before handing the antivenom over to the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Pharm. Regina Chi-Chi Agir, for official warehousing and management.
This joint federal and state intervention marks a vital step toward curbing snakebite mortality rates and mitigating healthcare expenses for residents across Benue State.