When we talk about global health emergencies, snakebites are rarely part of the conversation. Yet, beneath the surface, far away from the spotlight, snakebites have quietly become one of the world’s most neglected health crises. The venom that runs through the veins of millions of victims each year leaves behind scars that are not only physical but also deeply economic, social, and psychological. While we tend to think of snakebites as tragic accidents that happen in rural or remote areas, the consequences go far beyond the immediate pain, creating lasting burdens for individuals, families, and entire communities.
Snakebites, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), are a common reality for many people. Globally, it is estimated that about 5.4 million individuals are bitten by snakes each year, leading to 1.8 to 2.7 million cases of envenomation, with a significant death toll of between 81,000 and 138,000 lives annually. For those who survive, the journey to recovery can be long and costly, often resulting in disabilities, disfigurements, and severe emotional trauma. The World Health Organisation (WHO) regards snakebite envenoming as a high-priority neglected tropical disease (NTD). Yet, this global health problem remains largely invisible, particularly when compared to other diseases like the BIG 3: HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis.
What makes the burden of snakebites even severe is that they disproportionately affect the poorest and most vulnerable populations: subsistence farmers, herders, women, and children. Victims often lack access to timely and effective treatment due to the absence of anti-venom in many remote areas. Even when anti-venom is available, it can be very expensive or ineffective. Take, for instance, a family in sub-Saharan Africa, where snakebites are very common; a single bite can drive them into a cycle of debt and poverty, as medical costs rise and breadwinners are unable to work for extended periods. This is the financial venom, one that strikes deeper than the fangs of any serpent.
The health implications are equally severe. Delayed or inappropriate treatment can lead to life-threatening complications such as amputation, kidney failure, infections, and permanent disability. People living in snakebite-prone areas often experience considerable mental health issues due to the psychological trauma of the incident, sometimes worsened by social stigma associated with disfigurement. Despite the gravity of these consequences, snakebite victims frequently encounter a healthcare system that is ill-equipped or lacks sufficient resources to meet their needs.
Addressing the burden of snakebites requires a holistic approach; one that integrates human, animal, and environmental health under the umbrella of One Health. Snakebites often occur in rural settings where human-animal interactions are inevitable. Protecting humans from snakebites also involves preserving the ecological balance. Snakes play an essential role in the ecosystem, controlling pests like rodents. Therefore, the solution cannot be the eradication of snakes but rather mitigating the risk of bites through community education, improved access to medical care, and strengthening health systems in affected regions. Moreover, research and development of more effective and affordable anti-venoms must become a priority on global health agendas. The lack of investment in this area reflects the broader neglect of diseases that primarily affect poor populations. Public health campaigns, driven by international organisations and supported by local governments, need to focus on raising awareness about prevention strategies, appropriate first aid, and timely treatment. Partnerships between the medical community, veterinarians, and environmentalists could go a long way in reducing the snakebite burden.
Before I drop the pen, let me remind my readers once more that snakebites are a hidden crisis, but they don’t have to be. By prioritising this neglected health issue, we will not only save lives but also lessen the economic burden on already struggling communities. It’s time we remove the venom from this silent killer, not just through anti-venom but through a comprehensive and compassionate approach that safeguards the health and livelihoods of those most at risk, because beneath this venom is an untold story of the economic and health burden of the bites.
Charles Lwanga Tengan is a Research Officer with the Global Health and Infectious Diseases research group at KCCR-KNUST and a native of the Upper-West region of Ghana, where snakebites abound.