Eswatini AntiVenom Foundation vision:
That in our community, snakes and snake-envenomation are not synonymous, but that in the event of envenomation, the victim will be afforded excellent and effective treatment.
Who we are:
A not-for-profit organisation based in Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland), manned by volunteers, dedicated to saving lives and limbs.
Statement:
The World Health Organisation has been given a strong mandate to develop a comprehensive plan to support countries in implementing measures for increased access to effective treatment to people who get bitten by venomous snakes. Agricultural workers and children are the most affected. Children often suffer more severe effects than adults, due to their smaller body mass.
Our Objectives:
- Increasing public awareness of snakes and snakebite prevention.
- Safeguarding the supply of safe, effective and economical Anti Venom that we have on hand.
- To develop tools to measure the incidence and impact of snakebites on the community.
- Generate support for research and audits..
- Advocacy for resources and education around snakebites.
- Provide advisory services to clinicians treating snakebites.
- To create a repository of Antivenom stocks as well as resources and knowledge.
How we achieve this:
- By managing stocks of Antivenom and generating funding.
- Holding an annual snakebite symposium.
- Advocating for victims through engagement with health providers, venom manufacturers, funders and public platforms.
- Training snake handlers to safely remove both venomous and non-venomous snakes.
- Maintaining treatment guidelines and protocols as well as providing best-practice materials.
- Training to clinicians.
- Reaching out to neighbouring communities and countries.
- Measuring and researching the impact of envenomation.
