nder the Radar is a weekly special series bringing you compelling, under–the–radar stories from around the world, one region at a time. This week in Sub–Saharan Africa: a recent celebrity death at an underequipped hospital is drawing attention to Nigeria’s faltering healthcare system. Other noteworthy under–the–radar stories from the region include millions of Somalians going without necessary financial assistance, Senegal’s largest university suspending student activities, and South Africa’s president deploying the army.
Well–known Nigerian singer Ifunanya Nwangene passed away on January 31, 2026. She died from a snakebite after getting bitten in her home. Nwangene sought medical care at a hospital, yet despite the hospital’s location in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, the hospital did not have the necessary antivenom. The second hospital the singer visited was able to administer antivenom but in too small a quantity. Nwangene passed away while her friend was in line at the pharmacy to purchase more. This unfortunate death is highlighting core infrastructure failures in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Nigeria has the third–highest number of snakebite incidents globally. Although the UN set a goal in 2019 to halve the deaths and disabilities caused by snakebites by 2030, experts warn that funding to achieve this goal is lacking. A February 2026 report found that 50% of Nigerian hospitals are not adequately prepared to treat snake bites. As of August 2025, more than 90% of Nigerians lack any form of health insurance—only an estimated 8.5% of the population turns to hospitals to care for snakebites. More Nigerians turn to traditional medicine to treat snakebites, despite the African Snake Institute’s warnings against using it for highly venomous bites. Unfortunately, the actual number of deaths and disabilities caused by snakebites in Nigeria is unknown, due to the lack of data around those who use traditional medicine.
Many Nigerians are also turning to AI for mental health support. There are currently only 262 psychiatrists reported in the country, serving a population of roughly 240 million. While access to psychiatrists is limited and costly, multiple AI initiatives are offered for free, including a resource to support victims of gender–based violence and an emotional support chatbot that can link users with mental health professionals. Still, Nigerian experts warn that while these AI resources can supplement professional help, they cannot replace it. They also raise data privacy concerns.
The 2025 SBM Health Preparedness Index warns that Nigeria’s healthcare system is “critically fragile,” with no state achieving more than 30% preparedness for a health crisis. The report points to Japa (meaning to run or escape) Syndrome, where many Nigerian healthcare workers left the country to find better job opportunities and quality of life. As of October 2025, there is an estimated one doctor per 9,083 Nigerians.
Here are some other under–the–radar stories from across Sub–Saharan Africa:
- As Somalia’s drought crisis worsens, cuts to humanitarian aid are preventing millions of Somalians from receiving necessary assistance.
- Senegal’s largest university has suspended student associations following a student–led protest over nonpayment of scholarship stipends that turned deadly.
- South Africa’s president is deploying the army to combat gang violence and illegal mining.
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Snakebite death reveals fragility of Nigeria’s health system
Image by Getty Images via Unsplash+
February 20, 2026
Diplomatic Courier’s Stephanie Gull brings you weekly under–the–radar stories from around the world. This week in Sub–Saharan Africa: A celebrity snakebite death in Nigeria brings attention to the country’s faltering, increasingly fragile health systems.
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nder the Radar is a weekly special series bringing you compelling, under–the–radar stories from around the world, one region at a time. This week in Sub–Saharan Africa: a recent celebrity death at an underequipped hospital is drawing attention to Nigeria’s faltering healthcare system. Other noteworthy under–the–radar stories from the region include millions of Somalians going without necessary financial assistance, Senegal’s largest university suspending student activities, and South Africa’s president deploying the army.
Well–known Nigerian singer Ifunanya Nwangene passed away on January 31, 2026. She died from a snakebite after getting bitten in her home. Nwangene sought medical care at a hospital, yet despite the hospital’s location in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, the hospital did not have the necessary antivenom. The second hospital the singer visited was able to administer antivenom but in too small a quantity. Nwangene passed away while her friend was in line at the pharmacy to purchase more. This unfortunate death is highlighting core infrastructure failures in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Nigeria has the third–highest number of snakebite incidents globally. Although the UN set a goal in 2019 to halve the deaths and disabilities caused by snakebites by 2030, experts warn that funding to achieve this goal is lacking. A February 2026 report found that 50% of Nigerian hospitals are not adequately prepared to treat snake bites. As of August 2025, more than 90% of Nigerians lack any form of health insurance—only an estimated 8.5% of the population turns to hospitals to care for snakebites. More Nigerians turn to traditional medicine to treat snakebites, despite the African Snake Institute’s warnings against using it for highly venomous bites. Unfortunately, the actual number of deaths and disabilities caused by snakebites in Nigeria is unknown, due to the lack of data around those who use traditional medicine.
Many Nigerians are also turning to AI for mental health support. There are currently only 262 psychiatrists reported in the country, serving a population of roughly 240 million. While access to psychiatrists is limited and costly, multiple AI initiatives are offered for free, including a resource to support victims of gender–based violence and an emotional support chatbot that can link users with mental health professionals. Still, Nigerian experts warn that while these AI resources can supplement professional help, they cannot replace it. They also raise data privacy concerns.
The 2025 SBM Health Preparedness Index warns that Nigeria’s healthcare system is “critically fragile,” with no state achieving more than 30% preparedness for a health crisis. The report points to Japa (meaning to run or escape) Syndrome, where many Nigerian healthcare workers left the country to find better job opportunities and quality of life. As of October 2025, there is an estimated one doctor per 9,083 Nigerians.
Here are some other under–the–radar stories from across Sub–Saharan Africa:
- As Somalia’s drought crisis worsens, cuts to humanitarian aid are preventing millions of Somalians from receiving necessary assistance.
- Senegal’s largest university has suspended student associations following a student–led protest over nonpayment of scholarship stipends that turned deadly.
- South Africa’s president is deploying the army to combat gang violence and illegal mining.
