SNAKEBITE KILLS 1 PERSON EVERY 4-6 MINUTES, WHO WARNS

Tue 17 September 2024:

The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed on Tuesday that one person dies from a snakebite every four to six minutes, with more than a third of these victims being under 20 years old. The grim statistic was shared by WHO expert David Williams ahead of International Snakebite Awareness Day on September 19.

“While venomous snakes are found in various environments, including tropical rainforests, deserts, and even the arctic tundra, the worst impact is felt in low- and middle-income countries in tropical and sub-tropical areas,” Williams said at a UN briefing. He highlighted that 1.8 to 2.7 million snakebites occur annually, resulting in between 81,000 and 138,000 deaths worldwide.

Asia, Africa, and Latin America Bear the Brunt

Williams noted that most snakebites occur in regions like Asia, Africa, and Latin America, with India alone recording 1.2 million deaths from snakebites between 2000 and 2019, averaging 58,000 deaths each year. Although not all bites are fatal, for every person who dies, three more are left with long-term disabilities, including severe scarring or amputations.

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Critical Shortage of Anti-Venom

Addressing the need for treatment, Williams emphasized that many areas most affected by snakebites have inadequate access to anti-venom, the most effective treatment available. “Anti-venoms are in critically short supply in many of the worst-affected regions, with sub-Saharan Africa accessing less than 3% of annual needs,” he said.

Williams also warned about the potential influence of climate change on venomous snake populations. Changes in temperature and habitat could force snakes into new environments, increasing human encounters with species unfamiliar to local communities.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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