Preventing and controlling snakebite envenoming

Unlike some neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), snakebite envenoming is impossible to eliminate. Venomous snakes play important roles in complex ecosystems, including the natural biological containment of agricultural pest bioburden (e.g. rodents). However, snakebite envenoming can be effectively controlled and its physical, psychological and socioeconomic impacts reduced through innovative and intensified disease management, commensurate investment in new diagnostic, treatment and control tools, and improved access to a well-regulated portfolio of safe, affordable and clinically effective antivenoms.

WHO is mandated to direct and coordinate global action on snakebite envenoming, as requested by Member States in resolution WHA71.5 adopted by the World Health Assembly in May 2018.

WHO will launch its strategy for prevention and control of snakebite envenoming on 23 May 2019.
The strategy places countries at the centre of a coordinated global response by setting priorities focused on outcomes and impact and aligns with targets set by WHO’s 13th General Programme of Work and the Sustainable Development Goals. 

Objectives
• Generate ownership from Member States and multiple stakeholders for implementation of the strategy to prevent and control snakebite envenoming
• Showcase country experiences and collaboration with non-State actors
• Mobilize resources to support implementation of the global strategy 

Participation
• Member States
• Experts from the WHO Snakebite Envenoming Working Group
• Development partners and non-State actors
• WHO Secretariat (WHO departments of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases and of Regulation of Medicines and Other Health Technologies) 

Expected outcomes
• Commitment to implement the WHO strategy to prevent and control snakebite envenoming
• Pledges to support the implementation of the strategy
• High-level global advocacy