The recent death of rising Nigerian singer Ifunanya Nwangene from a snakebite has stirred grief, fear, and anger across the country. Beyond the personal loss, her death has drawn attention to a deeper and more unsettling reality, the limited availability of antivenom in many Nigerian hospitals. Online conversations that followed revealed how unprepared the health system remains for a danger that is far more common than many people realise.

For years, snakebites have been dismissed as rare accidents or problems confined to rural communities. In reality, they are a quiet but persistent threat across many parts of the country. Farms, homes, footpaths, and even city outskirts are not exempt. What makes snakebite deaths especially tragic is that survival often depends on what happens in the critical minutes after the bite, long before a victim reaches a hospital where antivenom can be administered.

Snake venom does not usually kill instantly. It spreads through the body over time, attacking the blood, nerves, and vital organs. The purpose of first aid is not to cure the bite or remove the venom, but to slow its movement and keep the victim alive until professional medical care is available. This distinction is crucial because fear and misinformation continue to drive dangerous responses that worsen outcomes.

Medical professionals, including Aproko Doctor in his public health education videos, consistently emphasise that calm, correct action can save lives, while panic and traditional remedies often make the situation far more dangerous.

What to do in the minutes after a snakebite

Once a bite occurs, the victim should be encouraged to sit or lie down and remain still. The bitten limb should be kept immobile and positioned lower than the heart to help reduce venom circulation. Any tight clothing, shoes, or jewellery near the bite area should be gently removed before swelling begins.

Movement should be kept to a minimum. Walking long distances or rushing without support increases muscle activity, which can speed up the spread of venom. If transport is available, the victim should be assisted rather than made to move on their own.

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The focus during this period should remain on observation, reassurance, and preparing for safe transport to a medical facility equipped to manage snakebite emergencies.

Why early hospital care matters

Nigeria-approved antivenom, such as monovalent EchiTabG [ETG], is the definitive treatment for snakebite envenoming, and it can only be administered in a hospital setting. First aid exists to buy time, not to replace medical treatment. The sooner a victim reaches a hospital, the better the chances of recovery and the lower the risk of complications.

Healthcare workers consistently note that outcomes improve when victims arrive early, before venom has caused extensive damage. Delays reduce the effectiveness of treatment and increase the likelihood of long-term injury or death.

For this reason, a snakebite should be treated with the same urgency as other medical emergencies. Quick, calm action followed by prompt hospital care remains the safest path.

Meiza Nigeria