The Toxinological Society of Nigeria has elected new leaders, with Dr Peter O. Yusuf from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, as the new President, and Dr Mustapha Shehu Muhammad, from Gombe State University, as the Secretary General. This development comes after the society’s 2nd Annual General Meeting held at Gombe State University from September 14-17, 2025.
The meeting highlighted the significant burden of snakebite envenoming in Nigeria, with an estimated 43,000 cases and 1,900 deaths annually. Experts emphasized the need for effective management and research to address this critical public health challenge. Local anti-venom production was also stressed as a key area for investment, with potential benefits including reduced costs and improved accessibility.
The society noted that snakebite management in Nigeria remains underfunded and fragmented, despite being reclassified as a Neglected Tropical Disease by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2017. Pediatric cases are particularly severe, representing 30% of all incidents, with higher risks of mortality and complications such as amputation, renal failure, and permanent disability.
The carpet viper, responsible for over 66% of bites, causes haemotoxic envenoming that requires immediate antivenom administration. However, delays in treatment, inadequate antivenom supply, and limited healthcare infrastructure exacerbate outcomes. The society emphasized that without decisive intervention, snakebite will continue to perpetuate cycles of poverty and disability in vulnerable communities.
The society recommended establishing a National Centre of Excellence for Venom, Anti-Venom, and Natural Toxins Research in Gombe State to develop locally relevant antivenoms and position Nigeria as a leader in Toxinology research. This centre would partner with existing centers of excellence to leverage technical expertise and funding opportunities.
Additionally, the society called for upgrading the Snakebite Treatment and Research Hospital in Kaltungo to a National Snakebite Hospital with modern equipment and training capacity. This would improve outcomes for complex cases and facilitate nationwide data sharing for policy development. The hospital would also serve as a teaching, research, and rural posting centre for medical, nursing, and pharmacy students.
The society proposed allocating 1% of Gombe State’s internal revenue to a dedicated snakebite response fund for free antivenom distribution and emergency care. This would help address the issue of many patients paying out-of-pocket for antivenom, leading to underdosing or use of ineffective alternatives.
The society’s efforts aim to reduce the burden of snakebite envenoming in Nigeria and contribute to the WHO goal of halving the global burden of snakebite by 2030. With the support of the Federal Government, Gombe State Government, and international partners, the society is confident that its recommendations can make a significant impact in improving snakebite management and reducing mortality rates in Nigeria.
