India, known as the global epicenter for snakebite deaths with nearly half of the world’s cases, has introduced its inaugural national action plan to address this issue. The National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming in India (NAPSE) aims to cut snakebite fatalities by half by 2030. The plan adopts a comprehensive ‘One Health’ approach to manage, prevent, and control snakebites, offering a framework for states to tailor their strategies accordingly.
A pivotal feature of the action plan is the introduction of a helpline number, 15400, in five states and Union Territories, including Puducherry, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Delhi. This helpline aims to provide immediate assistance and guidance to those affected by snakebites, ensuring prompt access to medical care and information. Despite significant underreporting, statistics reveal an annual average of 3 lakh snakebite cases and 2,000 fatalities due to envenomation in India, underscoring the critical need for such intervention.
The NAPSE outlines strategic actions to enhance medical facilities, strengthen surveillance, raise public awareness, and bolster inter-sectoral coordination. It emphasizes the importance of timely administration of anti-snake venom, upskilling medical officers, and implementing mass awareness campaigns. By consolidating efforts across various sectors under a unified framework, the action plan aims to significantly reduce snakebite fatalities and mitigate the impact of this public health concern by 2030.
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