Abuja, February 6: The tragic death of 26-year-old Nigerian singer Ifunanya Nwangenne on January 31, 2026, has sparked global discussions. Her death, caused by a cobra bite while she slept, was preventable. Nwangenne, who lived in Abuja, was rushed to the hospital, but a lack of antivenom cost her life.
This incident has drawn attention to a health crisis that experts deem entirely preventable. It goes beyond the untimely death of a rising star, exposing the harsh reality faced by millions who suffer snake bites each year and often die due to inadequate medical treatment.
Known by her stage name Nanyah, Nwangenne appeared on “The Voice Nigeria” in 2021. Friends reported that she was preparing for her first solo concert later this year, but the snake bite cut her dreams short.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 5 to 5.4 million people worldwide are bitten by snakes each year. Of these, around 2.7 million cases result in venom spreading through the body, leading to an estimated 81,000 to 138,000 deaths. Additionally, nearly 400,000 survivors are left with permanent disabilities, amputations, or severe health issues. The WHO believes that many cases and deaths go unrecorded.
Campaigners for antivenom emphasize that funding is insufficient to meet the UN goals set in 2019, which aim to halve snakebite-related deaths and disabilities by 2030. However, necessary investments to achieve these targets are “at risk.” Snake venom is classified as an overlooked tropical disease.
The WHO states that most snakebite fatalities can be “completely prevented” if safe and effective antivenoms are available and administered promptly. Antivenom is also included in the WHO’s essential medicines list.
Before her death, Nwangenne recounted that a gray snake bit her wrist around 8:30 AM, waking her from sleep. Later, two snakes were found in her flat, including a medium-sized cobra hiding in her bedroom.
Nigeria is home to 29 snake species, 41% of which are venomous. According to a social media post by Nwangenne’s brother, the first hospital she visited in Abuja had no antivenom available.
The singer’s death serves as a reminder that most snakebite fatalities can be avoided with timely medical intervention. The WHO asserts that effective antivenom can save lives if administered quickly. However, the availability of antivenom is limited in many African and Asian countries, where costs are high and access in rural areas is severely lacking.
In several regions, people rely on traditional remedies or spiritual healing instead of seeking hospital care. This delays treatment and allows venom to spread rapidly, increasing the risk of death. Such incidents often go unreported in government statistics, leading the WHO to believe that the actual number of snakebite-related deaths may be significantly higher than recorded figures.
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