Save Lives of Snakebite Victims in Rural India

In rural India, where 90% of the population comprises tribal communities primarily engaged in farming, fatal encounters with snakes are alarmingly common. These communities live and work in close proximity to agricultural lands, forests, and areas where snakes are prevalent, increasing their risk of snakebites.

The lack of proper infrastructure in local hospitals exacerbates the issue of snakebites, as many are either understocked with anti-snake venom (ASV) or lack personnel trained to handle snakebite cases effectively. This results in preventable fatalities and severe complications among snakebite victims.

The primary objective of this project is to ensure that hospitals, especially in rural and tribal areas, are always equipped with ASV to treat snakebite victims promptly. Additionally, hospitals will be supplied with essential medical supplies and life-support equipment to manage not only the immediate effects of envenomation but also any complications that may arise during treatment.

Recently, TIES, as part of the project, delivered 100 vials of ASV (Combipack of Snake Venom Anti Serum with Sterile Water for injection) to Anjali Health Centre. Located in Pithora, Anjali Health Centre is a small primary-level hospital supporting over 6,000 economically vulnerable tribal families. These hospitals treat more than 200 snakebite patients every year.

ASV Efficacy and Administration

The ASV provided is also effective against bites caused by:

1. Indian Cobra (Naja naja)
2. Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus)
3. Russell’s Viper (Vipera russellii)
4. Saw-Scaled Viper (Echis carinatus)

Polyvalent Snake Venom Antiserum is administered by slow intravenous infusion after dilution with normal/glucose saline at a rate of 5-10 ml/kg body weight per hour. Further dosing after one hour of antiserum administration depends on: The extent of reversal of coagulopathy in hemorrhagic bites and persistence of symptoms or lack of reversal of paralysis/respiratory failure in neurotoxic bites

1 ml of Snake Venom Antiserum neutralizes not less than:

• 0.6 mg of Indian Cobra venom
• 0.45 mg of Common Krait venom
• 0.6 mg of Russell's Viper venom
• 0.45 mg of Saw-Scaled Viper venom

This initiative aims to significantly reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with snakebites in rural and tribal areas of India. By ensuring a steady supply of ASV and equipping hospitals with necessary medical supplies, we can save countless lives and improve the overall health and safety of these vulnerable communities.

We invite you to join us in this distinctive and life-saving project.