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Kerala declares snakebite envenomation a disease of 'utmost public health importance'

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, October 13th 2025 at 6:32 GMT by moneycontrol.com
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Let's attempt to retrieve via some remote.Kerala’s recent declaration of snakebite envenomation as a disease of “utmost public health importance” marks a watershed moment in the state’s long‑standing struggle against one of India’s most lethal neglected tropical diseases. The notification, issued by the state health department in early October 2024, follows decades of mounting evidence that snakebite remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in rural and forested districts, with an estimated 3,000–4,000 cases and 150–200 deaths annually across the state. By officially recognising the condition as a public health priority, the government is now poised to mobilise resources, standardise treatment protocols, and strengthen surveillance systems that had previously been fragmented.

Background and Rationale

Snakebite incidents in Kerala peak during the monsoon months of June to September, coinciding with increased agricultural activity and forest work. The state’s unique topography – a mix of coastal plains, hills, and dense vegetation – creates diverse habitats for several venomous species, including the common saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus), Indian cobra (Naja naja), and Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii). Historically, rural communities, especially farmers, migrant labourers, and forest dwellers, have been most at risk. The lack of timely access to antivenoms and the shortage of trained healthcare professionals in peripheral health facilities have exacerbated the disease burden.

The 2024 notification came after a comprehensive review of state health data, community surveys, and expert consultations. Dr. K. R. Prakash, Director of the Kerala State Health Mission, noted that “snakebite cases have surged in the past decade, driven by population growth, increased land use, and climate‑related changes affecting snake habitats.” He added that the formal classification would provide a framework for targeted interventions and funding allocation.

Key Provisions of the Declaration

1. Establishment of a State‑wide Snakebite Task Force
   A multidisciplinary team comprising representatives from the Health Department, the Department of Fisheries, the Forest Department, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and non‑governmental organisations will oversee policy implementation. The Task Force will operate under the guidance of the Kerala Medical Council and will be empowered to conduct periodic field audits, monitor antivenom stock levels, and coordinate emergency response training for local health workers.

2. Integrated Antivenom Supply Chain
   The state will create a buffer stock of WHO‑recommended polyvalent antivenoms at district hospitals, with a goal of ensuring that each facility can treat at least 10 cases per month without delay. A digital inventory system will be introduced to track distribution, expiration dates, and usage patterns. In addition, the notification encourages local production of antivenoms through public‑private partnerships, citing the model of the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology in Karbala.

3. Standardised Clinical Protocols
   The Health Department has adopted the “National Snakebite Management Guidelines” issued by ICMR as the gold standard for all public hospitals. The guidelines recommend a four‑step approach: early immobilisation, prompt transport, pre‑hospital antivenom administration where feasible, and definitive care in a tertiary centre. Training modules for emergency physicians and paramedics will be rolled out statewide by December 2024.

4. Community Awareness and Prevention Campaigns
   Leveraging the “Snakebite Awareness Day” on 30th October, the state will launch a multi‑channel public education campaign. Activities include school‑based workshops, farmer‑field talks, and mobile app alerts about local snake activity. Partnerships with local media houses and community leaders aim to promote safe practices such as wearing protective footwear, avoiding walking through dense vegetation, and recognising early signs of envenomation.

5. Surveillance and Data Reporting
   All snakebite incidents, regardless of severity, will be mandatorily reported to the Kerala Health Surveillance System. A new “Snakebite Registry” will be established, linking patient data to treatment outcomes, thereby facilitating real‑time epidemiological analysis. The registry will also serve as a data source for national research initiatives on snakebite epidemiology.

Stakeholder Responses

The announcement has been lauded by several key stakeholders. The Kerala Association of Rural Doctors (KARD) praised the state’s proactive stance, arguing that a formal designation will bring much-needed federal support and funding. Meanwhile, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Kerala chapter called for urgent allocation of 20 crore rupees from the state’s health budget to finance antivenom procurement and training.

Environmental groups, such as the Kerala Forest Conservation Society, emphasised the importance of balancing human safety with snake conservation. “We need to implement humane deterrent methods in high‑risk zones,” said senior officer Arjun Nair. “Snakebite prevention should not involve indiscriminate killing of snakes.”

International Context

India’s recognition of snakebite as a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization in 2018 has galvanized global efforts to reduce mortality. The Kerala model, with its integrated supply chain, clinical protocols, and community outreach, aligns with the WHO’s 2020–2030 “Strategic Framework for the Prevention and Control of Snakebite.” By adopting this framework, Kerala positions itself as a potential blueprint for other states grappling with similar challenges.

Looking Ahead

The declaration is expected to trigger a cascade of policy actions over the next 12 months. The State Health Mission has outlined a phased plan: immediate antivenom stock replenishment, district‑level training workshops, launch of the Snakebite Registry, and community outreach programmes. A mid‑term review in April 2025 will assess progress and identify gaps.

In sum, Kerala’s formal recognition of snakebite envenomation as a disease of utmost public health importance signals a decisive shift from reactive to proactive management. With coordinated efforts spanning supply chain optimisation, clinical standardisation, and community empowerment, the state aims to halve snakebite mortality and improve quality of life for its rural and forest communities.