Theme 2025: “Disabilities from snakebite envenoming: The Hidden Crisis”
I. Overview:
International Snakebite Awareness Day (ISBAD) is observed every year on September 19 to highlight the neglected tropical disease of snakebite envenoming. This day aims to bring global focus on how snakebites not only cause death but also leave many survivors with long‑term disabilities across physical, neurological, and psychological dimensions. It urges communities, health systems, and governments to strengthen prevention, treatment, follow‑up care, and support.
II. Significance of the theme:
This year’s theme, draws attention to the often under‑reported and neglected consequence of snakebite – DISABILITY. While mortality is tragic, survivors frequently endure amputations, infections, nerve damage, mobility loss, cognitive impairment, and emotional trauma. The theme calls for better data, more resources, improved follow‑up of survivors, reduced stigma, and inclusive healthcare policies.
III. What is “Envenoming”?
Envenomation occurs when a venomous organism introduces venom into a victim through biting or stinging. Envenoming is common among individuals living or working in agricultural fields, forests, and coastal areas where venomous animals (snake, scorpions, and spider) are frequently encountered.
IV. Quick Facts about Snakebite Envenoming:
- Nearly 5.4 million people are bitten by snakes annually worldwide.
- Over 80,000 deaths occur each year from snakebite envenoming.
- Around 3 times as many survivors suffer long‑term disabilities compared to deaths.
- Long‑term outcomes and disabilities from snakebites are greatly under‑reported and under‑valued in health systems and surveillance
- Common among communities living in LMICs, where access to timely medical care and antivenom is limited.
V. A Brief History of ISBAD:
2018: ISBAD was launched to bring attention to snakebite as a global health issue, particularly as a NTD.
2021‑22: Efforts increased toward prevention, antivenom access, community education, and policy attention.
2024: Theme “Disabilities from Snakebite Envenoming” brought focus to long‑term effects and follow‑up care.
2025: The same theme continues, emphasizing hidden crisis, better reporting, better survivor support, and uncovering the true burden of disability.
VI. How to Observe ISBAD?:
- Raise awareness in communities, especially those in rural/high‑risk areas, about prevention (safe behaviour, protective equipment), first aid, and the need for quick care.
- Advocate for effective antivenom distribution and access in all affected areas.
- Support or build systems for follow‑up care of survivors to assess and treat disabilities.
- Share stories of survivors to reduce stigma and highlight the spectrum of long‑term impacts.
- Promote training of healthcare workers to recognize, treat, and manage both acute and chronic outcomes of snakebite.
🔗 References:
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/snakebite-envenoming
- https://www.nature.com/articles/nrdp201763
