Snakebites
Snakebite - A neglected tropical disease
Snake bites pose a serious public health issue in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly impacting people working in agriculture and livestock farming in countries like Tanzania. Estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018 suggest that around 130,000 people die each year from the effects of snake bites, and approximately 400,000 people suffer from permanent disabilities following such bites. These cases not only create significant economic losses for tropical countries but also lead to profound personal and social consequences, as snake bites can financially ruin families and irrevocably disrupt lives.
In theory, snake bite treatment is well within the reach of modern medicine. The only direct and effective medical treatment for a snake bite is the administration of a specific antidote, known as "antivenom." This antivenom can be designed to target either one or multiple species of venomous snakes, depending on the region and the specific needs of local populations. However, producing antivenom is a highly intricate and costly process, requiring advanced technology and expertise. As a result, only a limited number of pharmaceutical companies worldwide are equipped to manufacture this critical medication.
The complexity and cost of production lead to a persistent shortage of antivenom in sub-Saharan Africa, which has devastating consequences for affected populations. Due to the scarcity, the prices of antivenom are often prohibitively high, placing an enormous burden on individuals and families, many of whom lack access to health insurance or social safety nets. This economic barrier often results in delays in accessing treatment, which in turn leads to severe long-term health complications for the patients. In many cases, the lack of timely treatment can mean the difference between life and death, or between full recovery and permanent disability.
How does Pflaster für Tansania e.V. help?
Pflaster für Tansania e.V. is committed to improving access to life-saving treatment for snakebite victims across Tanzania. Together with our partners, we provide antivenom free of charge and support healthcare facilities in delivering timely, evidence-based treatment to patients who would otherwise have limited or no access to this essential therapy.
What began as support for the Meserani Snake Park Clinic has grown into a rapidly expanding network of healthcare facilities dedicated to snakebite management. Today, we support five hospitals and clinics across Tanzania: Meserani Snake Park Clinic (Arusha), FAME Hospital (Karatu), Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC, Moshi), Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital (Morogoro), and Shirati KMT Hospital (Mara Region). Through the provision of antivenom, medical supplies, and technical support, we are helping to strengthen snakebite care in both urban and remote areas of the country. Beyond antivenom provision, we support the day-to-day functioning of healthcare facilities through strengthening supply chains, providing training and continuing medical education, and facilitating the procurement of essential medicines and medical equipment. Together with our partners, we also fund the salaries of two physicians at the Meserani Snake Park Clinic, ensuring both routine healthcare services and 24-hour emergency care for the surrounding communities.
Given Tanzania’s vast geography and the challenges of reaching remote rural populations, expanding access to snakebite treatment beyond major cities is essential. We therefore work closely with healthcare facilities in underserved regions, providing training, clinical support, and free access to antivenom. At the same time, we are developing sustainable models of care and continuously expanding our network of partner hospitals to improve nationwide access to treatment. Prevention and community education are equally important pillars of our work. In collaboration with local organizations, we conduct awareness campaigns within communities and schools. As children are particularly vulnerable to snakebite envenoming, special emphasis is placed on educational programs that teach safe behaviors, appropriate first aid measures, and the ecological importance of snakes.
In addition, we collaborate with national and international experts to develop and refine evidence-based treatment protocols for snakebite envenoming. Working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Tanzanian Ministry of Health, academic institutions, and other partners, we aim to strengthen snakebite care and improve patient outcomes across the country. Our long-term vision is the establishment of a nationwide network of centers capable of providing high-quality, evidence-based snakebite treatment. We believe that access to life-saving care should not depend on a person's location or financial resources. Through sustainable partnerships, capacity building, and the provision of essential medicines, we are working towards a future in which every snakebite victim in Tanzania can access timely and effective treatment.
Today, our network of five supported healthcare facilities serves millions of people across northern, eastern, and central Tanzania, bringing life-saving treatment closer to the communities that need it most.
About
Meserani Snake Park Medical Clinic
The Meserani Snake Park Clinic is a small clinic attached to the eponymous Snake Park. The clinic specifically treats snake bites caused by the various types of snakes found in the savannah landscape. The clinic is financed through the revenues of the Maasai Museum located on the same premises, as well as through donations. This allows for the provision of free care, which is particularly vital for the impoverished rural population. In Tanzania, due to the poor living conditions, snake bites still pose a significant threat to the rural population.
The provision of antivenom for snake bites plays a decisive role, depending on the type of snake, in whether the patient survives or not. Due to changing climatic conditions and increased awareness of the clinic, the Meserani Snake Park is no longer able to offer antivenom without support. Additionally, the treatment protocols are already 30 years old and urgently needed to be revised to ensure patient care according to current research standards.
© Pflaster für Tansania e.V. 2024
Schlangen-arten
Spitting Cobra
The spitting cobra, as its name suggests, uses spitting as a defense mechanism in addition to biting itself. The snake specifically aims for the eyes of its attacker, as contact with the venom on the skin does not cause damage. However, if the venom enters the eye, it immediately causes pain, which can be accompanied by edema, meningitis, and strong sensitivity to light. The treatment consists of intensive rinsing of the eyes, as well as the possible administration of cycloplegics and mydriatics. The administration of antivenom is even contraindicated. If the affected person is not treated or is treated inadequately, it can lead to infections in the eye, as well as necrosis up to the loss of vision.
Black Mamba
The venom of the Black Mamba takes effect within just a few minutes and can lead to the collapse of the cardiovascular system in severe cases. Additionally, the venom of this snake causes respiratory failure and death. Without medical care, the snake bite usually ends fatally. An appropriate antiserum is crucial for survival chances. The Black Mamba is the most dangerous snake in Tanzania.
Boomslang
Even a relatively small amount of venom from the Boomslang has an extreme effect. The venom acts as an anticoagulant, causing the patient to bleed from the bite site, as well as potentially suffer from internal bleeding. Without the administration of an effective antivenom, a Boomslang bite usually ends fatally.
Puff Adder
The Puff Adder is responsible for most of the dangerous snake bites in Africa. With its long fangs, it can destroy the tissue of its victims, leading to immense bleeding and necrosis. Often, the attacks occur while working in the fields or when children are playing on the ground outdoors. Jonas had the opportunity to accompany a case where a toddler had put a Puff Adder in their mouth while playing. After adequate treatment with antivenom, the child was able to leave the hospital after weeks.
