Guidelines to prevent and treat injury and death from snakebites have been launched by the Ministry of Health with support from First Quantum Minerals (FQM).
The National Snakebite Prevention and Management Guidelines, produced by the ministry and Snake Safety Zambia, mark a significant step forward in addressing the serious threat posed by snakebites, especially in rural communities.
In a speech read on his behalf by Lusaka Provincial Health Director Dr Simulyamana Choonga, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr Kennedy Lishimpi described the launch as a pivotal moment in the nation’s healthcare journey.
FQM Trident’s Lead for Wildlife and Forestry Conservation Dr David Squarre reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting initiatives that benefit public health and sustainability.
Dr Squarre highlighted the Trident Foundation’s role in sponsoring the publication of the book Snakes and First Aid in Snakebites in Zambia, as part of their wider efforts in promoting safety and conservation.
“The launch of the guidelines makes a significant step to address the public health challenge of snakebites, particularly in rural and remote areas in Zambia. The guidelines standardise and strengthen the quality of healthcare on snakebites and thus raises the public confidence in managing snakebites,” he said.
Dr Squarre announced that FQM’s Trident Foundation has also sponsored the printing of the National Snakebite Prevention and Management Guidelines.
Dr Lishimpi highlighted that the current situation, where only 15 percent of healthcare facilities treat snakebites with antivenom and only 10 percent have antivenom in stock, will no longer be acceptable.
“These unacceptable numbers will change. The Ministry of Health urges all facilities with high incidence of snakebites to place orders for antivenom,” he said.
Dr Lishimpi further noted that snakebites were not merely a medical issue, but that they are a profound socio-economic threat that devastated is rural communities.
“Our rural communities, farmers who work tirelessly in their fields, children playing in vulnerable landscapes, and herders tending to their livestock face the most significant risk. A single snakebite can destroy a family’s primary source of income, create long-term disabilities, and leave deep emotional and economical scars that persist for generations. The National Snakebite Prevention and Management Guidelines we launch today represent a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to addressing this particular challenge,” he continued.
Dr Lishimpi thanked key partners, including Snake Safety Zambia, FQM and other local stakeholders, for their contributions. He affirmed that the guidelines align with WHO’s goal to halve global snakebite fatalities by 2030, and their successful implementation would save lives and protect vulnerable communities across Zambia.