Snakebites kill one person every five minutes globally – up to 138,000 every year, and leave 400,000 more with permanent disabilities. Many cases and deaths are thought to go unrecorded, particularly where victims seek care from traditional healers rather than hospitals. View image in fullscreen A boomslang, one of the most venomous snakes in Africa – most snakebite deaths are preventable if antivenom is administered quickly. According to the World Health Organization, most deaths from snakebites are “entirely preventable” if safe and effective antivenoms are available and administered swiftly. Shortages of antivenom due to manufacturing problems have been reported across Africa, along with quality concerns about some products.

Source: The Guardian February 04, 2026 10:10 UTC