Context:
Recently, the Tamil Nadu government has officially declared snakebite envenomation as a notifiable disease under the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939.
Relevance:
GS II: Health
Dimensions of the Article:
- Snakebite Envenoming (SE)
Snakebite Envenoming (SE)
- SE is a grave disease often caused by venom injection from snakebites or venom spray into the eyes.
- It’s a daily health hazard in rural areas of Africa, Middle East, Asia, Oceania, and Latin America, affecting those dependent on agriculture.
Impact of SE
- Long-term health issues in survivors, predominantly in developing nations, include physical deformities, kidney issues, and mental health effects.
Mortality Data
- The WHO reports an annual global mortality of 81,410 to 137,880 due to snakebites.
WHO’s Strategy Against SE
- In 2019, WHO aimed to reduce snakebite-induced mortality and morbidity by half by 2030.
- There’s a target for a 25% rise in qualified antivenom producers by 2030.
- A proposed global antivenom reserve is in the works.
- National health strategies are being adapted to include snakebite management and community education.
Indian Efforts
- Preceding WHO’s plans, ICMR initiated community awareness and health infrastructure development in 2013.
- Aligning with global strategies, India implemented a National Action Plan in 2015 for tackling snakebite hazards.
-Source: Indian Express
