FEC approves N93.9bn for snakebite treatment, TB control, blood services, family planning

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved four major health sector interventions valued at about N93.9 billion to strengthen disease control, emergency medical services and reproductive healthcare across the country.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, announced the approvals on Monday while briefing State House Correspondents after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

A key approval is the upgrade of the Kaltungo Snakebite Treatment Centre into the National Snakebite Research and Medical Centre, a specialised facility expected to provide treatment, research, training and sustainable access to quality antivenom.

“Snakebite remains a significant yet neglected public health challenge, especially among farmers, herders, hunters, women and children,” Pate said.

According to the minister, Nigeria records more than 43,000 snakebite cases annually, resulting in deaths, permanent disabilities and significant socio-economic losses.

“This will be the first specialised snakebite research and treatment centre in Nigeria and the sub-region,” he added.

The council also approved the procurement of 10 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered mobile blood donation clinics for the National Blood Service Agency at a cost of about N6.9 billion.

Pate said the mobile clinics would improve blood collection, storage and distribution nationwide, helping to meet growing demand for safe blood, particularly for maternal healthcare, trauma care, surgeries and cancer treatment.

“We require about 1.8 million units of blood annually but currently collect only about 25 to 30 per cent,” he said.