WHO targets 50% reduction in deaths and disabilities due to snake bite

healthysoch

New Delhi, May 07, 2019 :

WHO has released further details of its strategy to prevent and control snakebite envenoming, a neglected tropical disease that affects 1.8–2.7 million people each year, claiming 81,000–138,000 lives and causing 400,000 cases of permanent disability. The strategy titled “Snakebite envenoming: a strategy for prevention and control” will be launched at a meeting hosted by the governments of the Republic of Costa Rica and the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 23 May 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland.

The aim of the strategy is to halve the numbers of deaths and cases of disability due to snakebite envenoming over the next 12 years through a programme that targets affected communities and their health systems, and by ensuring access to safe, effective treatment through increased cooperation, collaboration and partnership at all levels … (WHO, May 6, 2019)

Author : Dr K K Aggarwal, Padma Shri Awardee