No more silent suffering: we need to tackle the snakebite antivenom crisis

Thousands of people die each year from snakebites globally, a tragedy exacerbated by a lack of access to lifesaving antivenom. Witnessing this firsthand during my decade as a healthcare professional in Zambia, I have seen the devastating human cost. Tackling this neglected crisis requires global action to ensure that everyone who needs it has access to affordable, quality assured snakebite antivenom.In Zambia, the stark reality of antivenom scarcity was apparent early in my career. Health facilities often stocked only one or two vials of antivenom, reserved for emergency use. This scant supply was insufficient, forcing healthcare providers into the difficult position of deciding who would receive antivenom and who would not. In cases requiring additional treatment, the responsibility fell on the patients’ families to procure extra vials, often at exorbitant costs. Sadly, the financial burden was insurmountable for most, leaving many people without the necessary care, resulting in preventable fatalities…
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