2025 SNAKEBITE PUBLIC AWARENESS

SIPHOCOSINI – While strides have been made in combating snakebites in Eswatini, a critical challenge persists: ensuring anti-venom reaches those in rural areas where it's needed most.

This is one of the observations made during the 2025 Snakebite Symposium, held at the newly opened Siphocosini Reptile Education Centre, where 157 delegates, including medical experts and paramedics, gathered to share knowledge and improve treatment protocols. The event was characterised by teaching sessions as well as question sessions where attendees had the opportunity to ask questions relating to the interactions with the reptiles either at community level or from a medical perspective.

The two-day workshop, organised by the Eswatini Antivenom Foundation (EAF) and its partners, highlighted the progress achieved in reducing snakebite fatalities. Thea Litshcka-Koen, the founder of EAF, acknowledged the significant decline in deaths compared to previous years, attributing this to enhanced training and the availability of antivenom. However, she stressed that more could be done, particularly in addressing the logistical hurdles of distributing antivenom to remote communities.

“We have antivenom available in the country and at the EAF,” Litshcka-Koen explained, “ she noted. It was was highlighted that  rural areas, such as Big Bend and parts of Lubombo, are hotspots for snakebites, especially those inflicted by the notorious black mamba. The Lowveld is known to be ‘home of the black mamba’ whose bite is 100 per cent fatal when one does not have access to medical attention.

The black mamba, known locally as imamba lemnyama, is a highly venomous snake capable of delivering a lethal bite. Its speed make it particularly dangerous though it lacks the aggression and often uses this to escape. Other venomous snakes prevalent in Eswatini include the Mozambique spitting cobra (imfeti) and the puff adder (phemphetfwane). The Mozambique spitting cobra, can deliver a painful bite and spray venom into the eyes, causing potential blindness. It sprays its venom towards the head, often striking the eyes and giving the impression that it the venom always hits the target with the precision of a sniper.

Puff adders, known for their camouflage and tendency to remain still, are responsible for the majority of snakebite incidents due to accidental encounters.

Thea was also asked which snakebites are common. “Most snakebites we see are from puff adders,” Litshcka-Koen noted. “Their camouflage makes them difficult to spot, leading to accidental encounters. However, we are seeing an increase in black mamba bites, which is concerning.”

The symposium provided crucial training for paramedics from the Eswatini Medical Services (EMS), who are often the first responders to snakebite incidents. They received specialised training on administering antivenom and managing snakebite cases, ensuring they are equipped to provide life-saving treatment during patient transfers to hospitals.

The Lubombo Referral Hospital and The Luke Commission (TLC) have played pivotal roles in treating snakebite victims. TLC, in particular, has been recognised for its exceptional work in saving lives that would otherwise have been lost. The availability of antivenom at these facilities has significantly improved survival rates.

The symposium also included training on snake rescue, teaching volunteers how to safely remove snakes from populated areas. This helps to prevent encounters and protects both humans and snakes. The Siphocosini Reptile Education Centre, the symposium's venue, houses various snake species, providing a valuable learning environment for participants.

While the symposium highlighted the progress made, it also underscored the need for continued efforts to improve antivenom distribution and public awareness. Ensuring that antivenom is readily available in rural areas remains a crucial step in reducing snakebite fatalities and protecting vulnerable communities.

.... 157 at Snakebite Symposium: 373 Snakebites in 5 Months

SIPHOCOSINI – A stark reminder of the dangers posed by venomous snakes, the 2025 Snakebite Symposium revealed that 373 snakebites have been recorded in Eswatini within the past five months.

This alarming statistic underscored the urgency of the two-day workshop, attended by 157 medical experts, paramedics, and volunteers, held at the Siphocosini Reptile Education Centre. Noteworthy, the snakebite season begins in September to August. This means that these figures are from September 2024 to date.

The symposium, EAF and its stakeholders, focused on improving snakebite management and administering antivenom, a life-saving treatment. Thea Litshcka-Koen, EAF founder, highlighted the significant reduction in snakebite deaths compared to previous years, but emphasised the need for continued vigilance.

“We have seen a decrease in fatalities, which is encouraging,” Litshcka-Koen stated. “However, the number of snakebites remains high, and we must continue to improve our response.”

Eswatini is home to several venomous snakes, including the highly dangerous black mamba, the Mozambique spitting cobra, and the puff adder. Puff adders, known locally as phemphetfwane, are responsible for the majority of snakebite incidents. Their camouflage and tendency to remain still make them difficult to spot, leading to accidental encounters.

“Most bites are from puff adders,” Litshcka-Koen explained. “But we are seeing an increase in black mamba bites, which is a concern.”

The symposium provided crucial training for paramedics from the Eswatini Medical Services (EMS), who are the first responders to snakebite cases. They were trained on administering antivenom, managing snakebite symptoms, and ensuring safe patient transfers to hospitals. The Lubombo Referral Hospital and The Luke Commission (TLC) have been instrumental in treating snakebite victims, with TLC recognised for its exceptional work in saving lives.

The event also focused on snake rescue, teaching volunteers how to safely remove snakes from populated areas. This helps to prevent encounters and reduces the risk of snakebites. The Siphocosini Reptile Education Centre, home to various snake species, provided a practical training environment.

Litshcka-Koen stressed the importance of antivenom availability, noting that it is accessible at the major hospitals.  However, she acknowledged the challenges of distributing it effectively, particularly to rural areas.

The symposium, which continues today, also included training on snakebite awareness and first aid, equipping participants with the knowledge to respond effectively to snakebite incidents. The high number of snakebites reported in the past five months underscores the ongoing threat and the importance of continued efforts to improve snakebite management in Eswatini.

Thea also commended the work being done by snake rescue volunteers in the country. She said these were now available in nearly every part of the country. She said the volunteers were helping in educating the public against snakebites and that through this, more people were being saved from being bitten. Also, she added that they were assisting in First Aid when snakebite victims needed assistance in rural areas.  

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