Snakebite Envenoming in Zambia: A Neglected Public Health Emergency Requiring Urgent Policy Action

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Abstract Snakebite envenoming remains one of the most overlooked yet deadly public health threats in Zambia, silently affecting rural and agricultural communities where access to timely care is limited. Despite being entirely preventable and treatable, snakebite continues to cause significant morbidity, disability, and deaths, particularly among children, farmers, and economically active adults. The continued neglect of this condition within national health priorities represents a critical gap in Zambia’s commitment to universal health coverage and equitable health systems. Estimates suggest that snakebite envenoming affects hundreds of thousands of people globally each year, with sub-Saharan Africa bearing a substantial share of this burden. In Zambia, however, the true magnitude remains poorly documented due to underreporting, weak surveillance systems, and reliance on informal care pathways. Many victims first seek help from traditional healers or local remedies, often resulting in dangerous delays before reaching formal healthcare facilities where antivenom and supportive care may be available. These delays are a major determinant of poor outcomes, including amputations, long-term disability, and avoidable deaths.

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