The Snakebite Crisis in India: A Hidden Epidemic

Tue Feb 03 2026 15:46:00 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Every year, around 50,000 people in India lose their lives to snakebites, highlighting a significant health crisis that primarily affects rural communities. With alarming rates of death and injury, efforts are being made to tackle this neglected tropical disease.

In India, snakebites lead to approximately 50,000 deaths annually, representing a major public health issue that disproportionately impacts poor rural communities. Many victims face delays in treatment due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure and the lack of access to antivenom. The Global Snakebite Taskforce is urging the government to improve healthcare responses and education on the dangers of snakebites.

Devendra, a farmer in India, remembers the painful moment a snake bit his leg. Despite surviving, he lost his limb due to delays in receiving treatment.

Each year, India reports around 50,000 snakebite deaths, with estimates suggesting even higher figures when analyzing historical data. A recent study revealed that 99% of healthcare workers face challenges in administering life-saving antivenom, which is crucial in treating these bites.

The World Health Organization has identified snakebite envenoming as a 'highest priority neglected tropical disease' due to the overwhelming number of fatalities it causes worldwide.

Efforts such as the National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming aim to halving these deaths by 2030, but challenges remain in infrastructure, treatment accessibility, and public awareness.