Former Reps Member Seeks Specialised Institute For Snakebite As Death Toll Hits 100

Former member representing Langtang North/Langtang South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Beni Lar, has called on the Federal Government to upgrade the Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH, Comprehensive Health Centre in Zamko, Plateau State, to a specialised Anti-Snake Venom Treatment and Research Institute.

Lar, who is also the APC candidate for Langtang North/Langtang South federal constituency, said the proposed institute had become necessary following the increasing cases of snakebite-related deaths in communities, particularly in rural areas where access to prompt treatment and anti-snake venom remains a major challenge.

She made the call during a visit to the health facility alongside the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs Kachollom Daju, on Monday.

Lar said the alarming number of deaths from snakebites required a stronger and more sustainable response from the Federal Government and relevant health institutions.
According to her, one of the major challenges confronting snakebite victims is the shortage and high cost of anti-snake venom, which has placed life-saving treatment beyond the reach of many affected persons and their families.

Lar said the situation required urgent intervention, particularly in rural communities where residents are frequently exposed to snakebites but lack access to specialised medical facilities.
Speaking during the visit, the Acting President of the Langtang Joint Traditional Council and Ponzhi Zinni, HRH Nimnan Langnim, said more than 100 people had reportedly died from snakebites in the area since the beginning of the year.

He said the development had become a major public health concern for communities, especially in villages where victims often face delays in accessing effective treatment.

Lar, while highlighting the research potential in the area, said the Tarok nation had contributed significantly to efforts to develop snakebite treatment solutions.

She noted that Dr Nandul Durfa, an indigene of Tarokland, was involved in research that led to the development of Echitab, an anti-snake venom treatment used in Nigeria.

The lawmaker also said researchers at the University of Jos had conducted research towards the development of a snake-venom vaccine.

According to her, a member of the research team, Dr Dogo, presented the first vial produced during the visit.

She said the research product was awaiting human clinical trials, stressing that the development demonstrated the scientific and research potential that could be harnessed through sustained investment and institutional support.

Lar said such research efforts should not be allowed to remain isolated initiatives. She urged the Federal Government, medical institutions, scientists, researchers and relevant agencies to build on the existing foundation by establishing a specialised institution dedicated to snakebite treatment and research.

According to her, upgrading the JUTH Comprehensive Health Centre, Zamko, would strengthen the capacity for anti-snakebite treatment, improve access to anti-snake venom and provide a platform for sustained research into lasting solutions to snakebite-related deaths.

She added that the proposed institute could serve communities across Plateau State, the North-Central region and other parts of the country affected by the growing burden of snakebites.