Responding to Envenomation as a Neglected Tropical Disease: A Review of Antivenom Delivery Strategies and Health-System Efficiency
Year: 2026
Type: peer-review
Abstract: Snake envenomation poses a significant global health burden with an estimated 5.4 million snake bites annually, resulting in envenomation of 1.8-2.7 million people and the death of 81,410 to 137,880. Of these, approximately 95% of envenomation’s occur in low and middle-income countries. This is an NTD with great socioeconomic impact, with it being common that productive members of society, such as farmers and laborers, lose their lives or become severely disabled, resulting in families left with no income source. The emergency care delivery system for these patients varies greatly, with poor training and knowledge about management and resuscitation being central issues. Snakebites are grossly under-reported, with some studies highlighting that more than half of patients do not seek medical care but rather attend traditional healers. There is a disparity in the consensus of what action is needed, with many healthcare professionals citing a lack of referral and transport systems as a major hurdle; however, data suggest that mortality rates are comparable between rural health centers and large tertiary hospitals, further distorting the cause.
Author: Elias van, Herwaarde
Institution: Euclid University
Language: English
Subfield: Toxicology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7204694496