Clement Tsabedze’s survival from a black mamba bite underscores the importance of antivenom in Eswatini. The country has made strides in reducing snakebite fatalities through education and the introduction of EchiTAb-Plus-ICP antivenom. Efforts by organizations like the Eswatini Antivenom Foundation are essential in changing community perceptions and integrating traditional medicine with modern treatments.
In the village of Siphocosini, Eswatini, Clement Tsabedze recalls his near-fatal encounter with a black mamba, a highly venomous snake. His life was saved by swift access to antivenom, leading him to shift his belief from relying solely on traditional medicine to appreciating modern medical interventions. Tsabedze advocates for educating communities on the importance of seeking professional medical assistance without delay when bitten by snakes.
Eswatini, with an annual count of 200 to 400 snakebite cases, faces challenges due to its subtropical climate which is conducive to dangerous snakes like the puff adder, Mozambique spitting cobra, and black mamba. Traditional remedies, while culturally significant, often prove ineffective against potent snake venom, leading to unnecessary delays in receiving effective treatment.
Thea Litschka-Koen, founder of the Eswatini Antivenom Foundation, has been pivotal in promoting antivenom use throughout the nation. Her organization focuses on educating rural communities to prioritize medical treatment over traditional remedies. She recognizes the gradual process involved in changing long-held beliefs regarding snakebite treatment and emphasizes the importance of building trust within communities, particularly working alongside traditional healers.
The 2023-2024 snakebite season marked an unprecedented achievement for Eswatini, with no recorded fatalities due to snakebites. This success coincided with the introduction of EchiTAb-Plus-ICP, a new polyvalent antivenom effective against multiple regional snake species. Philip Price, the scientific director of EchiTAb-Plus-ICP, explained that this project originated in 2017, addressing an antivenom shortage while collaborating with the Clodomiro Picado Research Institute from Costa Rica to secure necessary snake venom supplies.
Although this innovative antivenom showcases an effective and affordable treatment option, engagement with traditional healers remains a complex challenge. Makhanya Makhanya, president of the Witchdoctors Association, emphasizes the need for mutual learning between traditional and modern medical practices, despite the discrimination traditional healers often face from government and scientific institutions. Such cooperation is essential for enhancing community health outcomes and overcoming cultural barriers to medical intervention.
In summary, Eswatini’s fight against snakebite fatalities has seen remarkable progress through the introduction of effective antivenom and education on medical treatment. The collaborative efforts of the Eswatini Antivenom Foundation and traditional healers emphasize the importance of addressing cultural beliefs while promoting modern medical solutions. As communities begin to trust Western medicine more, the lives saved during the recent snakebite season represent a crucial turning point.
Original Source: www.scidev.net
