Life-Saving Antivenom Initiatives Combat Snake Bites in Eswatini

Clement Tsabedze’s survival from a black mamba bite showcases the life-saving impact of antivenom in Eswatini. The Eswatini Antivenom Foundation aims to educate communities on the need for medical treatment over traditional remedies. A historic antivenom has resulted in zero deaths during the 2023-2024 snakebite season, marking a significant improvement in public health regarding snakebites. Collaboration between traditional healers and modern medicine is crucial for continued progress.

In Siphocosini, Eswatini, Clement Tsabedze recalls the life-threatening moment he was bitten by a black mamba, one of the deadliest snakes globally. His survival was attributed to prompt access to antivenom, which shifted his perspective on treating snakebites. “Modern medicine saved my life; I was lucky. People in our communities need to know that they can trust Western medicine and seek help when they are bitten,” stated Clement, highlighting the necessity for medical intervention over traditional remedies.

Eswatini experiences between 200 and 400 serious snakebite cases annually, as recorded by the World Health Organization, which classifies snakebite poisoning as a neglected tropical disease. The country’s subtropical climate fosters the presence of dangerous snakes such as the puff adder, Mozambique spitting cobra, and black mamba. While traditional remedies have been utilized for centuries, they often delay essential medical treatment, underscoring the urgent need to shift community reliance towards modern medicine.

Thea Litschka-Koen, founder of the Eswatini Antivenom Foundation, is at the forefront of the campaign promoting antivenom use. She has actively engaged with rural communities to educate them about proper responses to snakebites. “We are trying to teach them to go to a medical facility and not to waste valuable time when they are bitten,” she emphasized, acknowledging the challenges they face in changing long-standing beliefs and building trust within communities.

Remarkably, the 2023-2024 snakebite season was a breakthrough, with no lives lost due to snakebites. This success correlated with the rollout of EchiTAb-Plus-ICP, a new polyvalent antivenom effective against various snake species in Southern Africa. Philip Price, the scientific director, noted that this initiative began in 2017 amidst an antivenom shortage in Eswatini, with support from Costa Rica’s Clodomiro Picado Research Institute to produce an effective alternative to existing treatments.

Nonetheless, persuading traditional healers to redirect snakebite victims to modern medical facilities remains a significant challenge for the Eswatini Antivenom Foundation. Makhanya Makhanya, president of the Witchdoctors Association, recognizes the importance of collaborative efforts. “We can learn from each other. Their ways are unique, and so are ours,” he stated, while also calling attention to the discrimination faced by traditional healers by government and scientific communities, complicating their collaboration efforts.

The campaign against snakebites in Eswatini demonstrates the critical importance of prompt medical intervention, as exemplified by Clement Tsabedze’s experience. The successful introduction of new antivenom and educational efforts highlight a paradigm shift towards acknowledging modern medicine while preserving cultural traditions. The collaboration between traditional and modern healing practices holds promise for addressing this public health challenge more effectively.

Original Source: www.scidev.net