The Federal Government has supplied Benue State with 100 vials of Panaf Premium Anti-Snake Venom valued at more than N25 million to strengthen treatment for snakebite victims across the state.
The intervention by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is aimed at reducing snakebite-related deaths and easing the financial burden on victims and their families, particularly amid recent concerns over fatalities linked to snakebites in the state.
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, the state Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, said the donation reflected Governor Hyacinth Alia’s commitment to addressing critical healthcare needs through strategic partnerships.
Ogwuche thanked the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Aliu Pate, and the Federal Ministry for responding to the state’s request for assistance.
He said the intervention would complement the state government’s efforts to improve access to essential healthcare services, particularly for vulnerable residents.
According to him, the availability of the anti-snake venom would “reduce the financial burden on affected families and improve access to prompt treatment for victims of snakebite.”
The commissioner assured residents that the ministry would ensure proper documentation, storage and distribution of the medicine, adding that the consignment would be used rationally to ensure it reaches patients who require treatment.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the ministry, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Cephas Hough, expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry for the timely intervention.
Hough said the anti-snake venom would strengthen the state’s capacity to respond to snakebite cases and reduce the treatment burden on affected residents.
He also commended Ogwuche for engaging the Federal Ministry, which facilitated the donation, describing the development as an example of effective collaboration between the federal and state governments in addressing public health challenges.
The consignment was subsequently handed over to the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Regina Agir, for documentation, storage and warehousing in accordance with established pharmaceutical management procedures.
Senior officials and directors of the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services attended the presentation.
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