By Israel Adamu, Jos
The Plateau State Government says 311 of the 312 reported snakebite cases recorded between December 2025 and June 2026 were successfully treated under its free Anti-Snake Venom (ASV) programme. The Director-General of the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency (PS-DMCMA), Pharm. Kim Jerry Bot, disclosed this in an interview, attributing the outcome to the state government’s provision of free anti-snake venom treatment.
According to Bot, the government procured and distributed Echitab® Anti-Snake Venom to healthcare facilities in 15 local government areas, improving access to treatment and removing financial barriers for patients. He said the initiative has encouraged residents to seek prompt medical attention, reduced preventable deaths linked to snakebites, and strengthened emergency healthcare response across the state.
Bot added that Governor Caleb Mutfwang has approved the procurement of additional anti-snake venom as the farming season begins, a period often associated with an increase in snakebite incidents. He said the additional supplies would help ensure health facilities remain adequately stocked and capable of responding to emergencies without disrupting access to treatment.
According to the agency, the programme forms part of the Plateau State Government’s efforts to strengthen emergency healthcare services, improve access to essential medicines and reduce preventable deaths across the state.
