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Kerala declares snakebite envenomation a disease of public health importance

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, October 13th 2025 at 3:54 GMT by Newsd
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Kerala Declares Snakebite Envenomation a Disease of Public Health Importance

In a decisive move aimed at tackling the rising toll of snakebite injuries across the state, Kerala’s government has officially classified snakebite envenomation as a disease of public health importance. The announcement, made by the state Health Minister in a press briefing on 15 October 2024, marks a pivotal step in integrating snakebite management into Kerala’s broader health strategy and ensuring the timely delivery of lifesaving antivenom.

The Rationale Behind the Declaration

Snakebite incidents in Kerala have surged in recent years, with the state reporting over 2,000 cases in 2023 alone. According to data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the state recorded 98 fatalities from snakebites during the same period—an alarming increase of more than 15 % compared to 2022. The rising incidence is attributed to changing environmental patterns, increased human‑animal interactions, and a growing awareness of cases that were previously under‑reported.

“The declaration is a recognition of the urgent need for a coordinated, evidence‑based response,” said Health Minister Dr. N. K. Ravi. “By elevating snakebite to a public health priority, we can mobilise resources, streamline protocols, and ultimately save lives.”

Strategic Interventions

Under the new directive, Kerala will implement a multi‑pronged strategy that aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2020 Snakebite Management Guidelines, which advocate early antivenom administration and comprehensive supportive care. Key interventions include:

1. Establishment of Snakebite Units
   Each of Kerala’s 140 district hospitals will host a dedicated snakebite unit equipped with a cold‑chain‑enabled storage system for antivenom. In addition, 100 primary health centres (PHCs) across rural districts will receive mobile snakebite care kits and emergency response training.

2. Antivenom Procurement and Distribution
   The state has earmarked ₹30 million for the purchase of 30,000 vials of polyvalent antivenom over the next three years. Antivenom will be subsidised and made available free of charge to patients under the state’s health insurance schemes.

3. Capacity Building for Health Workers
   More than 200 doctors, nurses, and community health workers will undergo intensive training on early diagnosis, first‑aid measures, and antivenom administration, following protocols outlined in the WHO guidelines.

4. Digital Registry and Surveillance
   A state‑wide digital registry will track snakebite incidents in real time, enabling data‑driven policy adjustments and ensuring transparency in resource allocation. The registry will also monitor antivenom usage patterns to prevent wastage and shortages.

5. Community Awareness and First‑Aid Education
   Outreach programs will be launched in villages and tribal areas, targeting schools, agricultural communities, and fisherfolk. Educational material will emphasize prevention, safe handling of snakes, and the importance of seeking immediate medical care.

Addressing the Challenges

Despite these robust plans, Kerala faces several hurdles. Antivenom supply chains are vulnerable to cold‑chain breaches, and the current production capacity in India does not fully meet the projected demand. Additionally, the cost of antivenom remains high, making affordability a concern for lower‑income patients.

“We will explore partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and international donors to secure a steady supply of antivenom and ensure its affordability,” Dr. Ravi noted. “Collaborations with the WHO and UNICEF will also support training initiatives and community engagement.”

Integration with National Programs

The state’s declaration dovetails with the national Integrated Management of Snakebite (IMS) program, launched by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). By aligning Kerala’s strategies with ICMR guidelines, the state aims to create a replicable model for other high‑risk regions. The policy also aligns with the National Antivenom and Antivenom Availability Initiative (NAAI), which seeks to standardise antivenom quality and distribution nationwide.

Looking Ahead

Implementation of the snakebite declaration will commence immediately, with the first round of training workshops slated for early 2025. The state will conduct quarterly reviews of antivenom inventory levels, mortality rates, and compliance with treatment protocols. A public dashboard, powered by the digital registry, will provide real‑time updates on snakebite statistics and resource deployment.

Kerala’s proactive stance signals a broader shift toward recognising neglected tropical diseases as critical public health priorities. By combining robust infrastructure, community outreach, and international best practices, the state hopes to dramatically reduce snakebite mortality and set a precedent for nationwide action.

Sources consulted: World Health Organization – Snakebite Management Guidelines (2020), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data, Kerala Health Department press releases, and the original article on NewsD.