Plateau treats 311 snakebite victims under free anti-venom programme

By Golok Nanmwa

The Plateau State Government says it has successfully treated 311 out of 312 reported snakebite cases under its Free Anti-Snake Venom (ASV) programme between December 2025 and June 2026.

The Director-General of the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency (PS-DMCMA), Pharm. Kim Jerry Bot, disclosed this in an interview in Jos, attributing the success to Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s intervention in providing free access to life-saving anti-snake venom across the state.

According to Bot, the achievement followed the procurement and distribution of Echitab® Anti-Snake Venom to healthcare facilities in 15 local government areas, significantly improving access to treatment while removing financial barriers for snakebite victims.

He said the initiative had increased public confidence in seeking prompt medical attention, reduced preventable deaths from snakebites and strengthened emergency healthcare response across Plateau State.

Bot noted that with the commencement of the farming season—a period often associated with a rise in snakebite incidents—Governor Mutfwang had approved the procurement of additional anti-snake venom to sustain the programme.

He explained that the additional stock would ensure healthcare facilities remained adequately supplied and prepared to respond effectively to emergencies, while guaranteeing uninterrupted access to treatment.

The PS-DMCMA boss said the continued implementation of the free anti-snake venom programme reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening emergency healthcare delivery, reducing preventable deaths and improving the well-being of residents.

According to him, the intervention further demonstrates the state government’s resolve to provide timely, accessible and quality healthcare services across Plateau State.

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