Snakebite envenoming in Africa remains widely neglected and demands multidisciplinary attention
Philipp Berg, Francois Theart, Marcel van Driel, E L Saaiman, Lise Bethy Mavoungou
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming can cause morbidity, permanent disability or death but treatment and prevention thereof remains highly inadequate in Africa. Overcoming structural and financial barriers that impede existing initiatives to improve medical management and mitigate human-snake conflict is urgently needed. Snakebite envenoming causes a significant public health burden in Africa. In this Comment, the authors describe the limitations of current snakebite control measures and emphasise the need for more funding to reduce future harm.
Topics & Concepts
Multidisciplinary approachPoison controlMedicineInjury preventionHuman factors and ergonomicsEnvironmental healthMedical emergencyIntensive care medicineSociologySocial scienceVenomous Animal Envenomation and StudiesRabies epidemiology and control