The Federal Government has donated 100 vials of Panaf Premium anti-snake venom worth ₦25m to the Benue State Government to support the treatment of snakebite victims.

The consignment was formally presented at the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services in Makurdi, amid concerns over rising snakebite cases, the high cost of treatment.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, said the intervention would complement the state government's efforts to make essential healthcare services more accessible, particularly for vulnerable residents.

Ogwuche expressed appreciation to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Aliu Pate, the Federal Ministry of Health for responding to the state's request for assistance. He said the availability of the anti-snake venom would reduce the financial burden on affected families, improve access to prompt treatment.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Cephas Hough, described the donation as a timely intervention, saying it would strengthen Benue's capacity to respond to snakebite cases, ease the treatment burden on residents.

The ministry said the consignment would be properly documented, stored, distributed, rationally utilised to ensure it reaches patients who genuinely require it.