Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
SNAKEBITE envenoming is leaving thousands of survivors worldwide with long-term physical, neurological and psychological disabilities, highlighting what health advocates describe as a largely hidden public health crisis.
Snakebite envenoming, classified as a neglected tropical disease, disproportionately affects people living in rural and impoverished communities, particularly children and people of working age.
Globally, nearly 5.4 million people are bitten by snakes each year, with more than 80,000 people dying from snakebite-related complications, while three times that number of survivors are estimated to live with disabilities.
Health experts say prompt administration of appropriate antivenom can save lives and reduce the risk of serious and lasting consequences following envenoming.
The focus this year is on “Disabilities from Snakebite Envenoming”, drawing attention to the long-term effects that can persist even after a victim survives the initial bite.
Survivors may experience a range of physical disabilities, including amputation, infections, persistent pain, disfigurement and impaired mobility.
Snakebite envenoming can also result in neurological complications such as paralysis, nerve damage, seizures and cognitive impairment.
Beyond physical and neurological effects, survivors may experience psychological difficulties, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety.
Despite the scale of the problem, disabilities resulting from snakebite envenoming remain severely underreported, making it difficult to determine the true burden on survivors, families and communities.
Advocates are therefore calling for stronger efforts to document snakebite-related disabilities and improve understanding of their long-term impact.
They also stressed the need for better follow-up care for survivors, arguing that medical attention should not end once the immediate effects of envenoming have been treated.
According to advocates, giving greater visibility to survivors and documenting their experiences would help reveal the full impact of snakebite disabilities and strengthen efforts to provide appropriate medical, psychological and social support.
The campaign is consequently urging governments, health authorities and other stakeholders to improve reporting, treatment and long-term care for people affected by snakebite envenoming.
