فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
A severe shortage of antivenoms used to treat snakebites is heightening the global risk of fatalities and long-term complications. During a press conference in Geneva, David Williams, a snakebite expert with the World Health Organization (WHO), warned that heavy rainfall and flooding—exacerbated by climate change—are increasing the chances of snakebite incidents. Most cases occur in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, according to WHO data.
WHO estimates that between 1.8 and 2.7 million people are bitten by venomous snakes each year, resulting in the deaths of 81,000 to 138,000 individuals annually, or one death every 4 to 6 minutes. However, Williams noted that these numbers likely underestimate the true scale of the problem. Survivors often face lasting impacts, with around 240,000 people suffering from disabilities each year due to snakebites, over a third of whom are children.
The organization also highlighted that venomous snakebites can cause paralysis that impedes breathing, severe bleeding disorders, permanent kidney failure, and tissue damage, which can result in long-term disability or even limb amputations.
Despite the urgent need, a severe shortage of antivenoms exists in many of the most affected regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where only 2.5% of annual needs were met as of 2019.
This shortage can be traced back to the 1980s when many laboratories ceased production of antivenoms, leading to a critical gap in Africa and parts of Asia. India is the hardest-hit country, recording an average of 58,000 deaths annually due to snakebites, with significant cases also reported in neighboring Bangladesh and Pakistan.
The WHO further warned that climate change is reshaping the global landscape of snakebite risk, as changing weather patterns could drive venomous snakes into new territories, bringing them into contact with populations unfamiliar with these species.
Williams emphasized that the increased frequency and intensity of floods, driven by climate change, is escalating the risk of snakebites in places like Nigeria, which is experiencing a severe antivenom shortage due to the spike in cases.
Similar situations have occurred in Pakistan, Burma, Bangladesh, and South Sudan, where snakes are forced into closer proximity with humans as floodwaters displace them from their habitats.
In 2019, the WHO launched a strategy to reduce snakebite deaths and disabilities by 50% by 2030, focusing on boosting antivenom production.
However, progress has been significantly delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with many countries needing to reprioritize their public health efforts. Williams called for urgent action to make up for the lost time in addressing this critical global health issue.
source: fesnews media
