On November 29, 2024, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) of India declared snakebite cases and related deaths as a "notifiable disease". This step highlights the urgent need to address the public health crisis associated with snakebites, which claim around 50,000 lives annually, accounting for nearly half of all snakebite deaths worldwide. Unfortunately, many of these incidents remain unreported, exacerbated by significant gaps in data and awareness.
The Union Health Secretary, Punya Salila Srivastava, emphasized the severity of this health issue, noting the disproportionate risk faced by farmers and tribal communities. These groups tend to work or live in close proximity to natural habitats, making them more vulnerable to snakebites. The notification was formalized through correspondence sent to health secretaries across all states and union territories, urging them to implement the necessary reporting mechanisms under their respective public health acts.
Srivastava's letter highlighted the necessity for all government and private healthcare providing facilities, including medical colleges, to report both suspected and confirmed cases of snakebites, as well as associated fatalities. This directive is expected to significantly improve the collection of data, which is pivotal for effective intervention strategies and evaluation of existing healthcare responses to snakebite incidents.
The call for this notification aligns with the recently launched National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE), which aims to halve the number of snakebite-related deaths by 2030. The plan outlines strategic roles and responsibilities for various stakeholders involved in managing this health issue, emphasizing the development of an efficient surveillance system to track incidents more accurately.
The common krait, Indian cobra, Russell's viper, and saw-scaled viper are the primary culprits behind the vast majority of snakebite incidents, responsible for about 90% of reported cases. Although polyvalent anti-snake venom (ASV) is effective for 80% of these bites, widespread underreporting, insufficient health facilities, and lack of trained personnel to treat victims contribute to this growing health crisis.
Underreporting of snakebite cases hampers healthcare resources and responses, leaving many victims untreated or mismanaged. The government action seeks to close these gaps and bring transparency to the scope of this public health emergency. Srivastava stressed the importance of comprehensive data to understand high-risk areas and identify factors contributing to the fatalities of snakebite victims.
Despite the alarming statistics, the issue of snakebite envenoming has not received the attention it deserves within public health systems. The MoHFW's innovative approach to categorize snakebites as notifiable diseases is set to transform management and prevention strategies. NAPSE’s action plan will also encompass public education initiatives to raise awareness about the risks associated with snakebites and promote safety measures.
Already, several local bodies and organizations are gearing up to adapt their healthcare services to comply with these new requirements and align with the overarching public health goals. Trained personnel and accessible treatment facilities will be prioritized to respond to the surge of patients potentially affected by snakebites.
Progressing forward, the government aims to not only reduce the death toll but to also mitigate the long-term health impacts snakebites can have on survivors, often leading to chronic pain, psychological trauma, and disabilities. Stakeholders are encouraged to monitor, manage, and evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions established through NAPSE.
The notifiable disease classification heralds a multifaceted approach to combatting snakebites, urging local healthcare professionals to be vigilant and responsive. Stakeholders are optimistic about the potential long-term reduction of snakebite fatalities and the improved overall quality of care for affected individuals.
Through these innovative health strategies and commitment to public health, India is taking substantial steps to turn the tide on snakebite-related deaths. The focus on solid data reporting and enhanced healthcare responses could set the standard for addressing similar public health crises moving forward.
