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Ifunanya Nwangene, 26, Dies After Snakebite in Abuja, Prompting Nigeria Patient-Safety Review

Relatives and colleagues dispute the hospital’s claim that antivenom was given.

Overview

  • The Voice Nigeria alum was reportedly bitten while asleep at her Abuja apartment, and videos showed two snakes being removed by a handler.
  • She first sought help at a nearby clinic that lacked antivenom before transfer to Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, where she died later that day.
  • Federal Medical Centre said staff delivered immediate care including resuscitation, oxygen, IV fluids and a polyvalent antivenom.
  • Her brother and choir director allege antivenom was unavailable and recount a scramble to obtain the missing dose.
  • Nigeria’s health minister acknowledged systemic shortcomings and announced a national working group on clinical governance and patient safety, with antivenom access and emergency care under scrutiny.