Snakebite
a neglected tropical disease
Snakebites are a condition that primarily affects the Global South, particularly tropical regions, and have been classified by the WHO as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) since 2018. Neglected Tropical Diseases include illnesses that often lead to fatal outcomes and receive insufficient attention from the international community.
The burden
Each year, approximately 5.4 million snakebites occur worldwide, resulting in around 138,000 deaths. More than 400,000 people suffer permanent disabilities annually due to snakebite envenoming.
Snakebites predominantly affect rural areas in the tropics and the Global South, especially in regions of Africa, Asia, Australia, and South America.
The burden of snakebites is not only medical but also has severe socio-economic consequences. Most victims come from poor, agriculture-based communities. A snakebite affects not only the individual but often the entire family: the costs for transport, treatment, and potential long-term care frequently exceed the monthly income.
A permanent loss of working ability can destroy the economic foundation of entire households. Children lose access to education, and adults their ability to earn a living.
Tanzania is particularly affected by snakebites. Rural populations in the country, especially those living in remote regions, are at daily risk of encountering snakes.
Current situation
Tanzania is among the countries in sub-Saharan Africa most heavily affected by snakebite envenomation. The exact number of snakebite incidents remains unknown, as there is still no nationwide reporting system in place.
It is estimated that several thousand people suffer clinically significant snakebites each year, many of them in rural regions with limited access to medical care. Particularly affected are the regions of Arusha, Manyara, Dodoma, Morogoro, and parts of the south, where venomous species such as puff adders, cobras, and mambas are endemic.
In total, at least 16 snake species found in Tanzania are capable of causing potentially life-threatening envenomations.
One of the central challenges in Tanzania is the lack of access to effective antivenom. Most healthcare facilities—especially in rural areas—have little or no antivenom available. When it is available, it is often outdated, improperly stored, or unaffordable for the local population
The action
At the core of our work is the provision of free polyvalent antivenom, which is delivered to Tanzania in close partnership with pharmaceutical manufacturers such as Premium Serums. Since the foundation of the organization in 2021, more than 600 vials of antivenom have been distributed to patients—entirely free of charge. Currently, Pflaster für Tansania e.V. supplies three clinics with polyvalent antivenom.
Pflaster für Tansania e.V. has established two modern emergency treatment rooms at the Meserani Snake Park Clinic (MSPC) and equipped the facility with off-grid refrigeration systems, emergency monitoring, infusion equipment, and ventilatory support. The MSPC is the only clinic in Tanzania specialized in the treatment of snakebite envenomation.
In collaboration with local partners, we regularly organize training sessions for healthcare professionals on the management of envenomation, develop treatment guidelines, and create public awareness programs. Our goal is to reduce dangerous misinformation, avoid harmful traditional treatments, and promote timely access to medical care.
We aim to establish a formal collaboration with the Tanzanian Ministry of Health to jointly build a nationwide network of 10 treatment centers, ensuring free treatment for all snakebite patients across the country.
The goal
Snakebites and the resulting envenomations are often fatal if left untreated. However, with prompt and appropriate therapy—including the administration of polyvalent snake antivenom and supportive care—snakebite envenomation is a treatable condition.
Our goal is that no one, anywhere in the world, should die from a snakebite or suffer a permanent disability as a result. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set an ambitious target: to reduce the global burden of snakebites by 50% by the year 2030.
We are committed to contributing to this goal, with a strong focus on Tanzania.
To achieve this, snakebite envenomation—as a neglected health crisis—requires increased international attention and the allocation of financial resources to support the high costs of antivenom treatment.
