Gombe Hosts Toxinological Society’s 2nd Scientific Conference, Deputy Governor Urges Indigenous Antivenom Production

Gombe State Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, on Monday declared open the 2nd Scientific Conference and General Meeting of the Toxinological Society of Nigeria (TSN) at Gombe State University (GSU).

Speaking on behalf of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, the Deputy Governor emphasized the importance of the event, especially as Gombe is home to the Snake Bite Hospital in Kaltungo, which serves the North-East and neighbouring countries.

Highlighting the state’s health sector investments, including hospital upgrades, 228 primary health centres, and a College of Nursing Sciences, Dr. Jatau called for transforming the Kaltungo Snake Bite Hospital into a research institute capable of producing and exporting snake venom and antivenom.

Speaking on the conference theme, “Exploring Indigenous Antivenom Development and Therapy in Nigeria: Policies, Challenges and Opportunities,” he urged national support for local research into medicines and vaccines from indigenous resources, noting their potential to create jobs, reduce costs and earn foreign exchange.

Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Jalo Ibrahim Daudu, said Gombe was chosen deliberately, as it houses Nigeria’s first snakebite treatment centre.

He stressed that local antivenom production would significantly cut current high importation costs.

Keynote speaker, Prof. Abdulrazaq Garba Habib, stated that Nigeria faces the highest snakebite burden in Africa, spending $10-12 million annually on antivenom imports.He argued that a similar amount could establish a domestic production plant and advocated for public-private partnerships, serpentariums, and venom collection as initial steps.

The Mai Kaltungo, Engineer Saleh Mohammed, suggested practical measures like providing villagers with boots and gloves, and building rural roads to improve access to treatment.

GSU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sani Ahmed Yauta, described snakebite as a major public health issue in rural areas like Kaltungo.

He noted that the conference would help generate research-driven solutions and position the university globally.

Other speakers, including Emeritus Prof. Idris Mohammed and Dr. Ismail Jibrin, commended the TSN’s efforts and urged stronger collaboration between academia and government to tackle snakebite challenges in communities