It is feasible that a concerted, multisectoral approach would drive the achievement of substantial reductions in the burden of injury, disability and death caused by snakebite envenoming within as little as a decade.

Snakebite envenoming deprives millions of people of their right to a healthy, productive life, and the cost to families, communities and nations is enormously disproportionate to the investment needed to control the problem.

Unlike some neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that are eradicable, it is not possible to eliminate snakebite envenoming. Venomous snakes play important roles in complex ecosystems, including the natural biological containment of agricultural pest bioburden (e.g. rodents). Despite this, effectively controlling the burden of envenoming in order to reduce its physical, psychological and socioeconomic impacts is achievable now through intensified disease management coupled with commensurate investment in new diagnostics, treatments and control tools, along with improved access to a well-regulated portfolio of safe, affordable and clinically effective antivenoms.

WHO is creating a strategic plan for the prevention and control of snakebite envenoming. This requires a comprehensive multisectoral response that addresses the key causes of snakebite envenoming and the determinants of outcomes. Socioeconomic, environmental and other factors influencing exposure and risk all need to be addressed in order to act on the causes of snakebite envenoming.

Health centre infrastructure and the availability of antivenom, other drugs and medical consumables also plays a role, as does the level of training and competency of the health workers themselves. Affordable access to rehabilitation and the creation of pathways to help victims return to productive, fulfilling lives is equally important.