Benue State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, has taken delivery of anti-snake venom for the treatment of snakebite in IDP camps, from Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services. The Ministry donated doses of Anti Snake Vials worth millions of naira to to support the treatment of IDPs and vulnerable persons affected by snakebite.

This intervention is coming as the Agency records fresh snakebite cases and the growing concerns over the increasing incidence of snakebite among rural farmers, and the high cost of anti-snake venom.

Executive Secretary of Benue SEMA, James Iorpuu, who received the donation through the Agency's Health Focal Person, described the support as timely and critical to saving lives, stating this has further strengthened its partnership with the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH, to provide free treatment for snakebite victims among IDPs and other vulnerable persons.

Iorpuu, appeal to IDPs, host communities and the general public to report snakebite incidents immediately to enable victims to receive timely treatment and administration of anti-snake venom. While calling on other government agencies, development partners, corporate organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians to support the State Government's efforts to provide free medical treatment to IDPs and vulnerable persons.

The Benue SEMA Health Focal Person, Dr. Amos Dzungwe, says it has two new SNAKEBITE CASES ON Admission, a 14 year old and an elderly person. He said several snake bites victims had been treated and discharged within the past weeks urging members of the public to report snakebite cases immediately they occur, noting that timely administration of anti-snake venom Is key.