The Nigerian Government has approved the establishment of a National Snakebite Treatment and Research Centre, alongside a package of health sector interventions valued at approximately ₦73.9 billion, as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and expand access to essential medical services across Nigeria.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, announced the approvals while briefing State House Correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to him, “The new centre will provide specialised treatment, conduct research on snakebite prevention and management, ensure sustainable access to quality antivenom, and partner with international institutions.”
Professor Pate said the country records an estimated 43,000 snakebite cases annually, many of which result in deaths, disabilities, and severe socioeconomic consequences, particularly in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions, where the burden is greatest.
FEC also approved ₦6.9 billion for the procurement of 10 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered blood donation mobile clinics for the National Blood Service Agency to improve blood donation, collection and distribution nationwide.
The Council further approved ₦62 billion for the procurement of tuberculosis TB commodities to strengthen Nigeria’s response to one of the world’s highest TB burdens, while reducing dependence on foreign donors and supporting future local production of TB medicines.
In addition, FEC approved about ₦5 billion for the procurement of reproductive health and family planning commodities through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to improve maternal health services and expand access to voluntary family planning nationwide.
“These approvals underscore the Tinubu administration’s commitment to strengthening health infrastructure, expanding access to essential medicines and promoting local pharmaceutical manufacturing,” Pate stated.
