Reps want WHO to declare emergency on snake bite

Reps want WHO to declare emergency on snake bite
   October 23, 2015 

House of Representatives yesterday called on the World Health Organisation, WHO, the Federal Ministry of Health and relevant government agencies to declare a global emergency on snake bite.
 The House further urged the 36 state governments and 774 local governments to sensitize the citizenry about snake bites, train medical staff, encourage the use of hand gloves and train boots as well as promote the use of pesticides and insecticides in farmlands and vulnerable areas.
 This resolution followed a motion sponsored by Hon Timothy Golu and 4 others on the subject matter on the floor of the House.
 The lawmaker lamented the rate of snake bites in Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency of Plataeu State, which he said had claimed many lives and threatening the socio-economic activities.
 He expressed concerns on the mortality rate, high disability and deformity and appealed to the world body, governments and non governmental organisations, NGOs to assist the aformentioned communities on the scourge of snake bite.
 He also recalled that the administration of former President Olusgun Obasanjo approved the production of mono-specific anti-snake venom vaccine which would reduce mortality rate from snake bites.
 He further urged the House to prevail on the relevant health authorities to declare an emergency on the health challenge posed by snake bite in the affected communities in Plataeau State.
 The motion was unanimously adopted through an overwhelming voice vote.