Ahmed made the remark in Kaduna on Tuesday, noting that health facility records show a consistent reduction in reported cases over the past three years.
According to the commissioner, snakebite cases dropped from 68 in 2023 to 58 in 2024, and further declined to 50 in 2025.
She explained that over three years ago, the state government directed all health facilities to maintain adequate stocks of anti-snake venom as part of efforts to address snakebite envenoming.
In addition, treatment costs for snakebite victims are now covered under the Kaduna State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System, making life-saving care more accessible to residents.
The commissioner also disclosed that the Kaduna State Health Supplies Management Agency currently holds about 176 doses of anti-snake venom, ensuring continuous availability across the state.
However, Ahmed acknowledged that challenges remain, including late presentation at health facilities, reliance on traditional treatment methods, storage and potency issues, and complications arising from delayed care. She stressed that snakebite envenoming remains a significant public health concern, especially in rural communities.
To strengthen access to antivenom, the state has implemented a centrally coordinated distribution system, ensuring that the drug is supplied to designated secondary and tertiary health facilities based on assessed needs and consumption patterns.
“While isolated facilities may occasionally experience short-term gaps due to sudden spikes in demand or delays in reporting, the overall state stock position remains stable, and replenishment mechanisms are in place,” Ahmed said.
She urged residents, particularly in rural areas, to seek immediate medical attention in the event of snakebites rather than relying on traditional remedies.
The issue has gained renewed attention following the reported death of Abuja-based singer Ifunanya Nwangene, who allegedly died from a snakebite last Saturday. Nwangene became widely known after featuring on The Voice Nigeria in 2021.
Her death has intensified focus on Nigeria’s broader snakebite challenge. The Toxinological Society of Nigeria estimates that the country records about 43,000 snakebite cases annually, resulting in nearly 1,900 deaths.
A report by the global Strike Out Snakebite initiative further highlights the scale of the problem, revealing that at least half of Nigeria’s health facilities lack the capacity to effectively treat snakebite envenoming. The report points to weak health systems, poor infrastructure, and shortages of antivenom as major drivers of preventable deaths and disabilities.
It also notes that 50% of health workers surveyed said their facilities were not fully equipped to manage snakebite cases, while 99% reported challenges in administering antivenom, which remains the only treatment recognized by the World Health Organization as essential for snakebite care.