Snakebite Prevention Begins with Awareness, Not Emergency Rooms –By Matthew Ma

A few days ago, I authored an article expressing my deep sorrow and outrage over the tragic death of Ifunanya Nwangene, who lost her life due to a snakebite. In my analysis, I highlighted the government’s consistent failures to address pressing healthcare issues that could save lives. I also expressed my profound disappointment regarding the shortfalls of the Federal Medical Center in Abuja. As an institution that should be at the forefront of healthcare excellence and innovation, it was disheartening to see that it is not adequately prepared to manage snakebite emergencies. I also emphasized that Ifunanya’s death is not an isolated incident; rather, it serves as a glaring indicator of a larger systemic problem plaguing our healthcare system. Today, I would like to shift my focus from assigning blame to the government to emphasizing the vital importance of raising awareness about snakebite prevention. Furthermore, I want to share my insights into snake behavior, why they find human dwellings appealing, and the factors that lead them to bite someone.

While watching Nat Geo Wild, I learned that snakes are attracted to specific environmental conditions rather than intentionally seeking out humans. Their presence around human habitats usually stems from environmental factors that align with their basic survival needs, not from a desire to be near people. For example, homes that unintentionally provide critical resources such as food, shelter, warmth, and water attract snakes. During the warmer months, when temperatures rise, a house that provides a cool, shaded refuge can become particularly appealing to snakes, as they are ectothermic and rely on external temperatures to regulate their body heat. Furthermore, areas around homes with dense vegetation, debris piles, or clutter can serve as ideal hiding spots or nesting grounds for these reptiles. This is especially true if such spaces are near food sources, like rodents, which can thrive in human environments.

Snakebites are often misunderstood as intentional attacks; however, researchers have said that most occur as a defensive reaction rather than an act of aggression. The primary reason a snake bites is self-defense. When a snake feels threatened by sudden movements, loud vibrations, or the approach of a human, it may strike to defend itself. This typically occurs when a person unknowingly steps on a snake or comes too close to it. Snakes may bite when provoked, whether deliberately or inadvertently. Attempts to kill, chase, capture, or handle a snake significantly increase the risk of being bitten, even from non-venomous species.

Snakes depend heavily on vibrations to sense danger. Sudden movements or nearby footsteps can startle them, prompting a defensive strike. The risk of bites increases in poor visibility and in the presence of distracting noises. While snakes do not defend territory as some animals do, they may bite to protect themselves or their eggs if disturbed—especially during breeding or nesting seasons. Environmental factors such as flooding, bush burning, construction, and deforestation can displace snakes from their natural habitats. As snakes are forced into human areas, the likelihood of encounters and subsequent bites increases. In rare instances, snakes may bite if they mistake a human limb for prey—particularly in low-light conditions or when rodents are present. Nonetheless, these bites are still primarily defensive rather than predatory. In summary, snakebites are seldom random or aggressive. Most occur because humans unknowingly invade a snake’s space or trigger its instinctive defense mechanisms.

In Nigeria, there exists a pervasive tendency to spiritualize nearly every tragedy, even when the incidents at hand are rooted in tangible public health crises. A poignant example of this phenomenon is the unfortunate case of Ifunanya, a young woman who a snake bit in the comfort of her own home. Instead of focusing on the immediate implications of her situation, the collective reaction across the nation leaned heavily towards metaphysical interpretations. Many people quickly labeled the snake as a “spiritual snake,” hypothesizing that it had been deliberately planted there by a malicious individual. This incident sparked a fervent discourse across platforms, from radio talk shows to television segments, as commentators, from political analysts to everyday citizens, passionately expressed their views. A recurring theme in these discussions was the perceived failure of religious leaders, or “men of God,” to protect Ifunanya and others in similar perilous situations. The communal sentiment hinges on the belief that divine intervention should have prevented such tragedies.

While it is certainly easier and perhaps even more comforting to attribute the high incidence and severity of snake bites to spiritual attacks, this perspective oversimplifies a far more complex and multifaceted reality. It is essential to recognize that spiritual oversight, while significant, does not absolve us from examining the underlying issues leading to such occurrences. There are tangible factors at play, including environmental conditions and limited public awareness of snakebite prevention and treatment. While it is understandable to feel anger toward authorities when snakebite fatalities occur, engaging solely in blame without meaningful self-reflection and proactive solutions could prove detrimental. This tendency to cast blame may distract from addressing the core health and safety issues that contribute to these tragic events.

The hard truth that Nigerians must grapple with is that our environment and individual behaviors play significant roles in exacerbating this public health emergency. The way we interact with our surroundings—by allowing unsanitary conditions to proliferate and failing to address habitat encroachment—can directly increase the risk of snakebites and other health hazards. Thus, maintaining a clean and safe environment is not merely an aesthetic concern or a matter of personal convenience; it is a critical necessity for preserving health and well-being. A clean environment can act as a buffer against many public health threats, including snakebites. Hence, a collective commitment to improving our surroundings and fostering a culture of personal responsibility is vital in mitigating the dangers we face.

In both urban and rural regions of Nigeria, a pervasive disregard for environmental stewardship, combined with ineffective waste management, has fostered an environment conducive to the growth of snake populations. In numerous neighborhoods, the jungle of untrimmed shrubs, overgrown bushes, and untended gardens seamlessly merges with residential areas, creating dense thickets that serve as ideal habitats for these reptiles. This neglect in landscaping and regular maintenance not only obstructs residents’ visibility but also creates a hidden world where snakes can thrive unnoticed, often right beneath the feet of unsuspecting inhabitants. The accumulation of litter and debris in these areas exacerbates the problem, attracting not only snakes but also their prey, further enhancing the local ecosystem for these reptiles. Because natural hiding places abound, residents may not realize these creatures are present until a snake strike. Therefore, the challenges posed by this situation warrant immediate attention from both local authorities and community members to foster a safer living environment.

Improper waste disposal contributes to a hazardous environment with far-reaching implications for local ecosystems and community health. When trash and refuse are carelessly discarded—whether food scraps, plastic packaging, or other waste—it can accumulate in public spaces and residential areas. This accumulation not only creates unsightly and unhealthy conditions but also attracts rodents and other small animals seeking easy food sources. These rodents, in turn, serve as a food source for snakes, which may begin to populate the area as they follow their prey. This establishes a troubling cycle: neglecting proper environmental maintenance and allowing waste to accumulate not only endangers the immediate surroundings but also increases the likelihood of snake encounters, prompting safety concerns for residents. Thus, the combination of inadequate waste management and insufficient environmental upkeep creates hazardous conditions that increase the risk of snake interactions in communities, thereby endangering public safety.

Over the years, community structures that once actively encouraged and facilitated collective action have significantly weakened. This decline is particularly evident in the drop in participation in environmental sanitation days, which are now largely overlooked. For example, the monthly cleanup initiatives, which once rallied residents around a common purpose, are increasingly being disregarded, leading to decreased collaboration and cooperation among community members. Several compounds remain uncleared for extended periods, sometimes lasting months or even years. Many residents have adopted a passive mindset, often waiting for government agencies to intervene and address environmental issues. This cycle of negligence heightens the risk of human-snake interactions, which can have tragic consequences. The truth is that effective prevention and care for our environment must begin at the grassroots level—within individual households and local communities. We must understand that public health begins in the places where people reside, rather than being solely the responsibility of government agencies or confined to hospital corridors. The health and well-being of a community depend on residents who take initiative to maintain and improve their surroundings rather than waiting for governmental intervention.

Many deaths in Nigeria occur due to the delay in reporting medical emergencies, particularly snakebite incidents. Despite repeated and urgent warnings from health professionals about the severe implications of such emergencies, a large portion of the population continues to underestimate their urgency. This indifference is often fueled by a combination of factors, including fears surrounding the costs associated with hospital treatment, a general lack of awareness regarding the severity of snakebites, and an overreliance on unverified traditional remedies that can delay proper medical intervention. Snakebite cases present a critical race against time. Research indicates that every hour of delay in accessing appropriate medical care heightens the risk of severe complications, such as organ failure, long-term disabilities, or even death. Yet many individuals and communities treat the emergency response with alarming casualness, under the misconception that they have ample time to seek help. This dangerous mindset is exacerbated by the inadequacy of ambulance services, which are often sparse and poorly equipped, combined with a general lack of emergency awareness among the populace.

In addition to the points mentioned above, it is important to consider the complex dynamics of treating venomous snakebites, especially in remote areas where immediate access to medical facilities is limited. In such settings, traditional healers often become the first line of defense against snakebite incidents. Some people argue that these practitioners, with their knowledge of local herbs and remedies, can offer immediate comfort and reassurance to those affected. They may provide herbal concoctions, spiritual guidance, and emotional support that can be invaluable in the aftermath of a snakebite. However, medical professionals strongly emphasize that relying on traditional healing methods for snakebite treatment can be highly problematic. They argued that not all snakebites can be effectively treated with herbal remedies or traditional practices. In fact, some types of snakebite envenoming are classified as severe medical emergencies that require immediate intervention. In these situations, the use of antivenom is crucial, as it is the only scientifically proven treatment that can neutralize venom once it has entered the bloodstream.

While I fully recognize and appreciate the significant cultural role that traditional healers play in many Nigerian communities—often serving as crucial support figures in times of distress—it is imperative that snakebite be treated as an emergency requiring prompt hospital care. Delaying professional medical treatment in favor of traditional remedies can lead to dangerous consequences, transforming what could be a survivable bite into a tragic loss of life. This reliance on traditional approaches alone not only poses life-threatening risks but also contributes significantly to the fatalities associated with snakebites. Therefore, a balanced approach that incorporates both traditional beliefs and modern medical practices is essential for improving survival rates and outcomes for snakebite victims.

The challenge we confront is this: what measures should we implement when our hospitals lack antivenom to treat snakebite victims? Should we resign ourselves to the possibility of death as an inevitable outcome of this deficiency? In regions where snakes are common, like southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya, communities have developed their own strategies for self-protection. A notable example is the traditional practice of the Dassanech people living in the Omo–Turkana basin, where young boys skillfully navigate their surroundings on long wooden stilts. This innovative method helps them avoid hazardous mud, sharp objects, pesky insects, and, importantly, encounters with snakes.

Rather than relying on faith in God, we can also take proactive steps to prevent snakebites. This begins with the essential responsibility of maintaining clean environments to prevent snakes from entering populated environments, promptly reporting emergencies to ensure that victims receive timely assistance, even when antivenom is in scarce supply, dispelling harmful myths surrounding snakebites, and acquiring basic first-aid knowledge to prevent fatalities, potentially saving lives before professional medical help arrives. Prevention efforts must originate not just within hospitals but also in our homes, schools, and communities. If Nigeria is sincerely committed to eradicating preventable deaths—such as those resulting from snakebites—then accountability and action must be a collective endeavor. While the government must take decisive, well-planned action, it is equally important for citizens to embrace their responsibilities in this fight against preventable tragedies. Only through a unified commitment from both the authorities and the public can we hope to reduce the prevalence of snakebite-related incidents, which, as it stands, serve as a distressing reminder of a national issue that is largely avoidable. Unless both sides fulfill their respective responsibilities, the heartbreaking stories of snakebite tragedies will continue to dominate the headlines—an entirely avoidable national disgrace.

Rev. Ma, S. J., is a Jesuit priest and a public policy analyst. He writes from Abuja, Nigeria.