The National Orientation Agency has issued a public advisory cautioning Nigerians against harmful first-aid practices in snake bite cases, urging immediate medical attention instead of traditional remedies that could worsen victims’ conditions.
The agency, in a statement posted on its X platform on Monday, warned citizens to avoid applying tourniquets, cutting or incising wounds, and using traditional remedies when treating snake bites, noting that such actions can aggravate injuries and reduce chances of recovery.
“Correct information and timely action can save lives,” the agency stated.
Snake bites remain a significant public health concern in Nigeria, particularly in rural communities where access to medical facilities may be limited and reliance on traditional healing practices remains widespread.
The NOA advisory emphasised that victims should remain calm and seek prompt medical attention at the nearest health facility. The agency stressed the importance of keeping the victim calm and ensuring safe transport to a hospital or clinic as critical steps in snake bite management.
Medical experts have consistently warned that improper treatment of snake bites can lead to complications including tissue damage, infection, and in severe cases, death. The application of tourniquets, a common traditional response, can restrict blood flow and cause additional tissue damage, while cutting the wound increases the risk of infection and bleeding.
Traditional remedies, often involving herbal concoctions or incantations, have not been scientifically proven to neutralise snake venom and may delay access to proper medical treatment, which typically involves the administration of antivenom and supportive care.
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The agency encouraged the public to watch the advisory and share the information widely to promote community safety and raise awareness about proper snake bite response.
Nigeria’s healthcare system faces ongoing challenges in snake bite management, including limited availability of antivenom in many health facilities, particularly in rural areas where snake bites are most common. The World Health Organization has classified snake bite envenoming as a neglected tropical disease, recognising its significant impact on agricultural communities in tropical and subtropical regions.
The NOA’s intervention aligns with broader public health education efforts aimed at reducing mortality and morbidity from preventable conditions through improved knowledge and timely access to appropriate medical care.
