Federal Government Intervention Programmes on the Availability of Antivenom at the Snakebite Treatment Hospital in Gombe State, Nigeria

Snakebite envenoming remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly in the northern savannah region where human interaction with venomous snakes is common. To address this challenge, the Federal Government of Nigeria has implemented various intervention programmes, including public health education, community awareness campaigns, procurement and distribution of antivenom, and strengthening of snakebite treatment facilities. This study assessed the impact of Federal Government intervention programmes on the availability of antivenom and snakebite management services at the Snakebite Treatment Hospital and Research Centre, Kaltungo, Gombe State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. Data were collected from 43 medical personnel and 221 community caregivers using structured questionnaire. Frequencies, percentages, mean scores, standard deviations, Chi-square, and one-sample t-test statistics were used for data analysis at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that 61% of medical personnel reported that available antivenom was sufficient for treating different snakebite cases, while 91% indicated that government intervention programmes improved the efficiency of antivenom-related facilities and equipment. Community respondents also reported that government educational interventions significantly enhanced awareness of snakebite prevention and treatment, with an aggregate mean score of 2.90. There was significant impacts of government intervention programmes on antivenom availability (χ² = 38.489, p < 0.05) and snakebite control through education (t = 15.103, p < 0.05). The study concludes that Federal Government intervention programmes have significantly improved antivenom availability, strengthened treatment services, and enhanced public awareness regarding snakebite prevention and management. The study recommends increased funding for antivenom procurement, expansion of public awareness campaigns, local production of antivenom, and strengthening of treatment infrastructure.