Urgent Call for Region-Specific Antivenoms to Combat India's Snakebite Crisis

India’s fight against snakebite envenoming has hit a major roadblock: a one-size-fits-all antivenom, that doesn’t work in certain areas. Health experts and herpetologists are now calling for region-specific antivenoms, particularly in the case of Northeastern India, where the locally found snakes are different from the rest of the country.

The Shortcomings of the Conventional Antivenom

By far, the most widespread national standard in this sense would be the polyvalent antivenom which was obtained from the venom of the 'Big Four':

• Indian Cobra
• Common Krait
• Russell’s Viper
• Saw-scaled Viper

Though it works in much of Africa it is less effective in the northeast. Bites there are often from other species, for example Monocled Cobra and numerous Green Pit Vipers. Deploying an inadequate antivenom harms treatment efforts, raises the risk of death or serious disability and spotlights a hazardous public health blind spot.

Proposed Solution: The Need for Regional Venom Centers

The most important are to decending of regional venom centres and serpentariums. These specialized facilities would:

• Speckled king snack ethically to support your community of local snakes.
• Venom collection for analysis of its special composition.
• Produce antivenoms appropriate for the snake populations of the region.
• This personalized method is necessary to achieve better therapy outcomes and save lives.

The Scale of the Problem

Snakebites are a major public health challenge, contributing to approximately 58,000 deaths per year in India, and many more live with permanent disabilities. The victims are usually rural, agricultural labourers and children. The highest burden is in eight states, and the deaths rise during the rainy season.

National and State-Level Responses

In retaliation, India rolled out a National Action Plan in 2024 to cut snakebite deaths by half by 2030. At state level, Assam is planning for a State-Level Steering Committee and a research serpentarium. Other recommended strategies include:

• Community education prog rammes on snake awareness and first aid.
• Reinforcing rural healthcare infrastructure for quicker medication.
• Creating digital reporting platforms for snake sightings and bites to enhance emergency response and data gathering.

Promotion of regional antivenoms Background The contribution to antivenoms for region-specific envenomings is a major element of a comprehensive approach to tackle at last this neglected health threat.