From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the establishment of a National Snakebite Treatment and Research Centre as part of a comprehensive health intervention package worth approximately ₦73.9 billion, aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery, tackling infectious diseases, improving maternal health, and expanding access to essential medical services across Nigeria.
The approvals were announced on Monday by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, while briefing State House Correspondents after the FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Pate said the establishment of the National Snakebite Treatment and Research Centre was in response to the growing public health burden posed by snakebite envenomation, particularly in rural communities across the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions.
According to the minister, the centre will provide specialised treatment for snakebite victims, undertake research into snakebite prevention and management, guarantee sustainable access to quality antivenom, and collaborate with international institutions to improve treatment outcomes and scientific research.
“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,” Pate said.
He disclosed that Nigeria records an estimated 43,000 snakebite cases annually, many of which result in deaths, permanent disabilities, and significant socioeconomic losses, especially among rural farming communities where access to prompt medical care remains limited.
Beyond the new snakebite facility, the Council approved ₦6.9 billion for the procurement of 10 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered blood donation mobile clinics for the National Blood Service Agency.
The mobile clinics are expected to strengthen voluntary blood donation campaigns, improve blood collection and distribution, and ensure greater availability of safe blood across the country, particularly during emergencies and in underserved communities.
In another major intervention, FEC approved ₦62 billion for the procurement of tuberculosis (TB) commodities to bolster Nigeria’s response to one of the world’s highest TB burdens.
Pate explained that the approval would ensure uninterrupted availability of TB medicines and diagnostic commodities, reduce dependence on donor support, and advance the Federal Government’s plan to encourage local manufacturing of tuberculosis medicines and other pharmaceutical products.
The Council also approved about ₦5 billion for the procurement of reproductive health and family planning commodities through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).
According to the minister, the intervention is expected to improve maternal and reproductive healthcare services while expanding access to voluntary family planning commodities across primary healthcare facilities nationwide.
Pate said the latest approvals reflect the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health system through strategic investments in disease prevention, emergency response, pharmaceutical supply chains, and healthcare infrastructure.
“These approvals underscore the Tinubu administration’s commitment to strengthening health infrastructure, expanding access to essential medicines, and promoting local pharmaceutical manufacturing,” he stated.
