After Ifunanya’s Death, Senate Demands Nationwide Antivenom Supply
The Nigerian Senate has called for urgent action to address the shortage of antivenoms in hospitals across the country following the tragic death of Abuja-based singer and former The Voice Nigeria contestant, Ifunanya Nwangene, widely known as Nanyah. The Senate has urged the Federal Ministry of Health, in partnership with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), to ensure that antivenoms are consistently available, properly stored, and affordable at both public and private healthcare facilities across Nigeria.
Ifunanya’s death, caused by a snakebite, has ignited widespread outrage and calls for better healthcare preparedness. According to reports, Nwangene, 26, was bitten by a cobra at her residence in Lugbe, Abuja. The singer’s last moments were shared by her close friend, Kingsley Nwangene, who described the ordeal in a heart-wrenching Instagram post. At around 8:30 AM on Sunday, Nanyah called Kingsley in distress, telling him that she had been bitten by a snake and was on her way to the hospital.
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Kingsley’s account revealed that Nwangene initially sought medical help at Divine Health Hospital in Lugbe but was informed that the hospital lacked antivenom. She then made her way to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Jabi. Despite her worsening condition, she reportedly received only supportive care, such as a drip, but was not given antivenom. Doctors at FMC also removed a tourniquet she had tied around her arm. Unfortunately, Nwangene passed away before any further treatment could be administered.
Her tragic death has brought the issue of snakebite treatment to the forefront of public discourse. Nigeria records an estimated 20,000 snakebite cases annually, resulting in around 2,000 deaths, as reported by the Ministry of Health in 2021. Experts have long warned that Nigeria’s healthcare system struggles with a severe shortage of antivenom supplies, particularly in rural and high-risk areas where snakebites are more prevalent.
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In response to the public outcry, the Senate has called for an immediate overhaul of the national approach to snakebite management. They have emphasized the need for increased access to antivenoms, particularly in high-risk regions such as the northern and southeastern parts of Nigeria. The gov ernment has been urged to prioritize the procurement of safe, effective, and affordable antivenoms as part of broader emergency healthcare preparedness.
The singer, Nwangene, who was fondly called the “Soprano Queen,” was celebrated for her powerful soprano voice and her talent in blending classical, jazz, R&B, soul, and choral music. Her untimely death has left a deep void in Nigeria’s music community, with many describing her as a “joy-giver” and a force of positivity. Following her death, her body was exhumed and transferred to Enugu State, as requested by her father.