Antivenom’s Life-Saving Role in Eswatini’s Snakebite Crisis
Clement Tsabedze’s survival after a black mamba bite highlights the importance of antivenom in Eswatini, where snakebite fatalities have decreased significantly due to awareness and the introduction of EchiTAb-Plus-ICP antivenom. The Eswatini Antivenom Foundation works to change community perceptions regarding medical intervention for snakebites while promoting collaboration with traditional healers to ensure timely treatment.
In the village of Siphocosini, Eswatini, Clement Tsabedze experienced a life-altering moment after being bitten by a black mamba, one of the world’s most venomous snakes. His survival was attributed to immediate access to antivenom, which reshaped his previous belief that traditional medicine was the only remedy for snakebites. Clement urges his community to trust modern medicine for effective treatment in case of such emergencies.
The Eswatini Antivenom Foundation, led by Thea Litschka-Koen, is actively working to alter community perceptions about snake bites and healthcare responses. They educate rural residents on the importance of seeking medical help promptly following a snakebite, emphasizing that delays can be fatal. Building trust among communities alongside traditional healers is one of the main challenges the foundation faces.
The 2023-2024 snakebite season marked a significant achievement for Eswatini, with no fatalities reported. This success is attributed to the introduction of EchiTAb-Plus-ICP, a polyvalent antivenom effective against various local snake species. This new treatment emerged through a collaboration initiated by Litschka-Koen with Costa Rica’s Clodomiro Picado Research Institute, overcoming previous antivenom shortages and providing a more affordable and reliable solution to snakebites.
Despite the advances in antivenom treatment, the Eswatini Antivenom Foundation faces challenges in cooperating with traditional healers. While the foundation respects traditional medicine, it insists on the importance of timely medical intervention for snakebites. Makhanya Makhanya, a traditional healer, acknowledges the necessity for collaboration, stating, “We can learn from each other.” However, he also highlights existing discrimination against traditional healers as a barrier to effective cooperation with medical institutions.
In summary, Eswatini is witnessing a significant transformation in snakebite treatment, primarily due to the swift availability of antivenom and dedicated community education efforts. The successful launch of the EchiTAb-Plus-ICP antivenom exemplifies advancements in medical interventions, which have successfully saved lives. However, continued collaboration between modern and traditional healing practices remains vital to address cultural barriers and enhance community trust in medical solutions.
Original Source: www.scidev.net
