Striking Out Snakebite: A Call to Action at the World Health Assembly

In the heart of Geneva, amidst the bustling gatherings of the World Health Assembly, an unconventional message emerges—venomous snake art installations greet the international community. This creative display comes with a serious undertone: snakebite envenoming must no longer remain in the shadows of global health discourse.

Each year, snakebites account for the deaths of approximately 138,000 people, with another 400,000 suffering permanent injuries. For many communities, especially those already at risk, a snakebite equates to a “death sentence.” So, how do we shift this narrative?

Enter the “Snakeover,” marking the launch of a global endeavor, Strike Out Snakebite (SOS), together with the Global Snakebite Taskforce. Their mission is straightforward yet profound—ignite advocacy, inspire momentum, and secure investments to avert preventable deaths and long-term disabilities caused by snakebites.

Coinciding with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) ambitious target to halve snakebite fatalities and disabilities by 2030, a new report optimistically suggests this can be achieved with the right resources and commitment. But what does this mean in practice?

A Creative Yet Urgent Display

On a serene Monday, May 19th, in Geneva’s Parc Mon Repos, visitors encounter art that transforms the tranquil space into a landscape of urgency. Ten distinct pieces—each speaking volumes about the threat, human impact, and potential for hope—call for immediate action. One striking example is a 3-meter-long snake sculpture, serving not just as an emblem of danger, but as an invitation for scientific advancement.

At the helm of this initiative is a diverse coalition of experts, policymakers, and community advocates, united under the Global Snakebite Taskforce. Co-chaired by the Hon Aden Duale of Kenya and Elhadj As Sy of the Wellcome Trust, the Taskforce aims to elevate the visibility of snakebite envenoming and mobilize much-needed resources. “While the risk of snakebite may feel remote for many,” remarks As Sy, “the preventable human toll of this issue is undeniable.”

The Power of Collaboration

The Taskforce’s freshly released report for global stakeholders acts as a touchstone, highlighting pathways to progress. It calls for safe, accessible treatments and pledges to equip healthcare systems with essential knowledge and tools. Moreover, it stresses the importance of phasing out inadequate antivenoms and bolstering community education.

“Nobody should be dying from a snakebite in 2025,” declares Elhadj As Sy. “This challenge is solvable, but time demands urgency.”

Climate change adds another layer to the complexity, increasing human-snake interactions. The ‘Snakeover’ installation doesn’t merely inform—it screams an SOS to the international community, urging us to reexamine our priorities. One artwork by Lazerian Studios, using a mosaic of recycled footwear, poignantly illustrates how lack of protective footwear heightens vulnerability to bites.

A Personal Perspective

Consider the account of Abhijeet Jayavant, a wildlife rescuer in Mumbai. When he was bitten by a venomous viper in 2009, timely access to antivenom was his saving grace. Yet, he’s acutely aware that many are not as fortunate. “A bite is often a death sentence for those unable to afford treatment,” he observes, as his volunteer rescue efforts highlight the need for coordinated action and urban wildlife management.

A Path Forward

Nick Cammack of Wellcome frames the global snakebite challenge succinctly: “The complexity demands a coordinated response. Promising solutions are on the horizon, but actionable investments in research and development remain critical.”

In line with MSF’s insights, the overarching message is clear: equitable access to life-saving antivenoms is imperative. “Far too often,” shares Julien Potet from MSF, “survival hinges on socioeconomic factors—an inequality needing urgent redress.”

In this cause, art speaks where words sometimes falter. Liam Hopkins of Lazerian Studios captures this sentiment: “We’ve made the invisible visible, amplifying the cries of communities who should never face this fate.” As the Global Snakebite Taskforce continues its work, supported by Wellcome, the hope is palpable. Could this collaboration be the key to healing a neglected wound in global health?

For more information, explore their efforts on LinkedIn.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring