Kenya’s Struggle with Snakebite Crisis: Shortage of Effective Antivenom Leaves Victims Suffering.

In a coastal hospital in Kenya, 14-year-old Shukurani Konde Tuva lies in agony, confronting the life-changing reality of losing his leg above the knee. The teenager was bitten over a month ago by a puff adder—one of the most venomous and frequently encountered snakes in sub-Saharan Africa—while eating outside his home near Malindi.

His family transported him to the hospital two hours away on a motorbike, but the antivenom administered failed to counter the venom. The infection worsened, and his leg deteriorated so severely that maggots began to appear.

“My son’s leg is completely decayed. Amputation is the only option,” said his distressed mother, Mariamu Kenga Kalume.

Globally, approximately 5.4 million people suffer snakebites each year, with half experiencing venom-related symptoms. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 138,000 people die and 400,000 endure permanent disabilities. However, actual figures may be much higher, as an estimated 70% of snakebite cases go unreported. Cultural beliefs and mistrust of medical treatments often lead victims to turn to traditional remedies instead.

Just a few kilometers from Shukurani’s hospital, traditional healer Douglas Rama Bajila continues to promote the use of “snake stones”—a popular folk remedy made from cow bone. Believed to absorb venom, these stones are sold for about $1 and are recharged by soaking in milk. One such stone was applied to Shukurani’s wound during his journey to the hospital but reportedly fell off en route.

Medical professionals warn that such delays caused by reliance on unproven treatments can be fatal. However, high costs deter many from seeking hospital care. A single vial of antivenom can cost up to 8,000 Kenyan shillings (around $62), and some patients require multiple doses.

Ruth Kintalel, 30, from Kajiado County, was bitten by a red spitting cobra in her sleep. After five months in the hospital, her husband had to sell their livestock to cover expenses. Today, she remains partially paralyzed in her right arm.

Kenya currently imports between 10,000 and 30,000 vials of antivenom annually, yet experts estimate the country needs at least 100,000. Much of the supply comes from overseas, particularly India, and can cause severe allergic reactions due to mismatches between the venom used for production and local snake species.

Watamu Snake Farm, home to over 400 snakes, aims to rebuild public trust in antivenom through education and free treatment for critical cases. Still, its supplies are limited. During a recent outreach session, nearly half of the community reported past snakebites, most of which were initially treated with traditional medicine. Paralysis and even blindness were common aftereffects.

Meanwhile, in Nairobi, the Snakebite Research and Intervention Center is developing a locally tailored antivenom designed to treat multiple species with a single, potent dose. Research fellow Valentine Musabyimana said the goal is an affordable treatment requiring only one vial. However, the new antivenom is still about two years from release.

For Shukurani, that breakthrough will come too late. Beyond the physical toll, experts warn of the deep psychological scars such trauma can leave.

“Watching your limb rot while you wait for help—that’s something no one forgets,” said Kyle Buster Ray, curator at the Watamu Snake Farm.

Source:https://phys.org/news/2025-04-kenya-desperate-snake-antivenom.html

This is non-financial/medical advice and made using AI so could be wrong.