The Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, on Monday declared open the second Scientific Conference and General Meeting of the Toxinological Society of Nigeria (TSN) at the Kadir Rashid Multi-Purpose Hall, Gombe State University (GSU).
Represented by Deputy Governor Dr Manassah Jatau, the governor said the conference was of great importance to the state, especially as Gombe hosts the Snake Bite Hospital in Kaltungo which caters for the entire North-East and neighbouring countries.
“To God be the glory and gratitude for giving us the privilege to witness this event that is greatly associated with the promotion of healthcare delivery services in Gombe and, by implication, the nation,” he said.
He stressed the administration’s prioritisation of the health sector, citing the renovation and construction of hospitals, 228 primary health centres, and the establishment of the State College of Nursing Sciences, accredited to issue nursing degrees.
According to him, “Our desire is for the Snake Bite Hospital to be transformed into a research institution, well equipped to produce, manufacture and subsequently export snake venom and other products. Time has come that we must turn our disadvantages into opportunities.”
On the theme of the conference “Exploring Indigenous Antivenom Development and Therapy in Nigeria: Policies, Challenges and Opportunities”, the governor added: “I have been preaching to the National Economic Council and the Honourable Minister of Health that we must go into researches to produce medicine and vaccines from local plants and animal parts. Apart from creating employment, the medicines will be more affordable and may even be exported to earn foreign exchange.”
The Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Jalo Ibrahim Daudu, said the scientific gathering was aimed at advancing the frontiers of snake venom research and producing safer and more efficacious antivenoms across Nigeria and Africa.
“The choice of Gombe for the conference was deliberate because the state is the first snake centre in Nigeria and will eventually be the first for the production of snake venom,” Dr. Daudu explained. He added that local production would drastically reduce the cost of antivenom currently burdened by importation.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Abdulrazaq Garba Habib, an infectious and tropical disease physician, highlighted the urgent need for Nigeria to establish its own antivenom production facilities.
“Snakebite envenoming is a major problem in Nigeria, the country with the highest burden in Africa. Nigeria currently spends about $10–12 million annually on antivenom procurement, while an initial investment of $12 million can establish a manufacturing plant,” Prof. Habib said. He recommended public-private partnerships and gradual strategies such as venom collection and serpentariums as first steps.
The Mai Kaltungo, Engineer Saleh Mohammed, suggested practical measures to mitigate snakebite cases, including the supply of boots and gloves to villagers and the construction of rural roads.
He said, “The roads will help people identify snakes easily and also ensure faster access to hospitals for treatment of snakebite victims.”
The Vice Chancellor of GSU, Prof. Sani Ahmed Yauta, in his remarks, described snakebite as a major health challenge in rural communities, particularly in Kaltungo, and Gombe State where there are different poisonous species.
“Snakebite puts a strain in the entire social and economic activities of the affected people. This conference offers an opportunity for research and solutions to the menace while positioning GSU on the global map of research and innovation,” Prof. Yauta stated.
He commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for supporting snakebite treatment and healthcare development in the state.
Other speakers, including Emeritus Prof. Idris Mohammed, Dr. Ismail Jibrin, and the Provost of Medical Sciences,GSU,Prod.Mohammed Mohammed Manga,all praised the Toxinological Society of Nigeria for its commitment to addressing snakebite challenges in the country.
Calling on participants to design synergies between government and the academic institutions for a better results in intervening snakebite threats within the communities.
Jack.A.Tasha
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity,
(Deputy Governor’s Office)
