No fewer than 20, 000 cases of snakebites were recorded annually in Nigeria.
This figure was confirmed by the Federal government
2,000 deaths and 1,700 to 2,000 people amputated due to snakebites annually.
Gombe State has highest record of snakebite in Nigeria, while Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Nasarawa, Plateau, Enugu, Kogi, Kebbi, Oyo, Benue and Taraba states also have high cases of snakebites especially during planting and harvesting seasons.
Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, who addressed journalists on international snakebite awareness day in Abuja, said the increasing cases of snakebite in Nigeria has attracted global attention.
The minister added that the increasing cases of snakebites propelled government to launch several awareness and sensitisation packages.
The minister said the 2019 awareness programme would focus on collaboration with communities through prevention, increased usage of treatment, training, and facilitation, as well as utilisation of research outcome
