India's Snakebite Crisis: Millions at Risk

India confronts a critical snakebite epidemic, with an estimated 50,000 deaths annually, representing half of the global toll. A recent report highlighted that 99% of Indian healthcare workers encounter obstacles in administering antivenom, a vital treatment for venomous bites. These challenges include inadequate infrastructure, scarce antivenom supplies, and insufficient training, leading to severe patient complications like amputations.

The World Health Organization has recognized snakebite envenoming as a high-priority neglected tropical disease, disproportionately affecting poor rural communities. In India, central and eastern regions are particularly affected, with farmworkers and tribal communities being most vulnerable. Despite the launch of the National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE) in 2024, aiming to reduce deaths by 2030, implementation remains inconsistent, with snakebites often overlooked.