Snakebite is a deadly threat faced by rural workers in sub-Saharan Africa, with venomous snakebites killing between 80,000 and 140,000 people each year. This often overlooked issue was brought to light by investigative journalists on a reporting trip along the coast of Kenya. They discovered a grim reality where the correct antivenom was often unavailable, ineffective, or too costly for those who needed it most.
Dr. Eugene Erulu, a seasoned snakebite treatment expert, revealed the devastating consequences of using substandard antivenoms. Patients suffered severe harm, including death and limb loss, due to ineffective treatments. Erulu’s candid insights provided a crucial starting point for the investigation into the failures of snakebite treatment in the region.
Visiting hospitals and clinics along the coast, the journalists encountered firsthand the struggles faced by snakebite victims like Safari Charo Ndindow. Ndindow, a farmworker bitten by a cobra, had to visit multiple clinics before receiving treatment and had to be transferred to another hospital due to the lack of antivenom. The high cost of treatment meant that many individuals had to sell everything they owned for a chance at survival.
The investigation revealed a systemic failure in the availability and efficacy of antivenoms, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable communities. Despite the high mortality rate and severe consequences of snakebites, the issue had not received the attention or resources it deserved. Experts highlighted the lack of political will and the neglect of the plight of rural workers as contributing factors to the ongoing crisis.
Through in-depth research and collaboration with experts like Professor Juan Calvete, the journalists uncovered shocking revelations about the inefficacy of certain antivenoms. Scientific testing revealed that some treatments required an excessive number of vials to be effective, further highlighting the urgent need for improved snakebite treatment protocols.
After nearly a year of investigation and collaboration with experts and key stakeholders, the journalists were able to publish their findings, shedding light on a critical public health issue that had long been overlooked. The story of snakebite treatment failures in sub-Saharan Africa serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved access to effective antivenoms and greater investment in addressing neglected health issues in vulnerable populations. The recent publication on the inefficacy of antivenoms against key snake venoms has sparked a chain of events aimed at bringing attention to the neglected tropical disease. The findings have been shared with national regulators, the World Health Organization, drug manufacturers, parent companies, and even a Bollywood celebrity ambassador in the hope of catalyzing action to prevent further deaths.
The science behind the discovery of the bad antivenoms lies in the testing of their binding capacity against venomous toxins. Antibodies, produced by the body in response to toxins, act as keys that bind to the locks of venomous toxins, neutralizing their effects. To test this binding capacity, the antivenom antibodies are incubated with venom and spun around to mimic the motion within the immune system. After cleaning away unmatched antibodies and toxins, chromatography is used to quantify the amount of venom bound per unit of antivenom.
This investigative article was produced by The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, an independent organization with various funders who do not influence editorial decisions. The hope is that with increased awareness and action, the issue of ineffective antivenoms can be addressed, saving lives and combating this neglected tropical disease.
