By Joyce Ekeh
With more than 100 people reportedly dying from snakebites in parts of Plateau State since the beginning of the year, former House of Representatives member, Hon. Beni Lar, has called for the establishment of a specialised Anti-Snake Venom Treatment and Research Institute in the state.
Lar, who represented Langtang North/Langtang South Federal Constituency, wants the Federal Government to upgrade the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) Comprehensive Health Centre in Zamko into the proposed institute.
She said the move would provide a stronger and more sustainable response to the growing burden of snakebite, particularly in rural communities where victims often struggle to access timely treatment and life-saving anti-snake venom.
“The alarming number of deaths from snakebites requires urgent and sustained intervention from the Federal Government and relevant health institutions.”
Lar spoke during a working visit to the facility alongside the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs. Kachollom Daju, on Monday.
She identified the shortage and high cost of anti-snake venom as some of the major barriers to effective treatment, noting that the situation often places life-saving care beyond the reach of victims and their families.
“One of the major challenges confronting snakebite victims is the shortage and high cost of anti-snake venom.”
According to her, the challenge is particularly severe in rural communities where residents face frequent exposure to snakes but have limited access to specialised healthcare facilities.
Over 100 people have died
The Acting President of the Langtang Joint Traditional Council and Ponzhi Zinni, HRH Nimnan Langnim, said more than 100 people had reportedly died from snakebites in the area since the beginning of the year.
He described the development as a serious public health emergency, particularly for rural communities where delays in reaching health facilities can make the difference between life and death.
“More than 100 people have reportedly died from snakebites in the area since the beginning of the year.”
Langnim said victims in several villages continue to face difficulties accessing effective treatment, worsening the impact of snakebite on affected communities.
Plateau’s research potential
Lar also drew attention to the research potential within Plateau State, particularly contributions from researchers and scientists of Tarok origin to the development of snakebite treatments.
She noted that Dr. Nandul Durfa, an indigene of Tarokland, was involved in research that contributed to the development of Echitab, an anti-snake venom treatment used in Nigeria.
She further disclosed that researchers at the University of Jos had undertaken research towards developing a snake-venom vaccine.
According to Lar, a member of the research team, Dr. Dogo, presented the first vial produced through the research during the visit.
The research product, she said, is awaiting human clinical trials.
Lar said the development underscored the scientific capacity already available in the region and the need for government to provide the institutional backing required to turn such research into practical health solutions.
“Such research efforts should not be allowed to remain isolated initiatives.”
Call for federal action
The former lawmaker urged the Federal Government, medical institutions, scientists, researchers and relevant agencies to build on existing research by establishing a dedicated institution for snakebite treatment and research.
She said transforming the JUTH Comprehensive Health Centre in Zamko into a specialised institute would improve access to anti-snake venom, strengthen treatment capacity and create a permanent platform for research into snakebite prevention and management.
“Upgrading the JUTH Comprehensive Health Centre, Zamko, would strengthen the capacity for anti-snakebite treatment, improve access to anti-snake venom and provide a platform for sustained research into lasting solutions to snakebite-related deaths.”
Lar added that the proposed institute could serve not only communities in Plateau State but also the wider North-Central region and other parts of Nigeria facing a growing burden of snakebite.
