International Snakebite Awareness Day 2023 (ISBAD ’23)

Spread the Message

Read Time:1 Minute, 51 Second

Key facts

An estimated 5.4 million people worldwide are bitten by snakes each year with 1.8 to 2.7 million cases of envenomings.
Around 81 410 to 137 880 people die each year because of snake bites, and around three times as many amputations and other permanent disabilities are caused by snakebites annually.
Bites by venomous snakes can cause paralysis that may prevent breathing, bleeding disorders that can lead to a fatal haemorrhage, irreversible kidney failure and tissue damage that can cause permanent disability and limb amputation.
Agricultural workers and children are the most affected. Children often suffer more severe effects than adults, due to their smaller body mass.

From vision to actions: how WHO is implementing its global snakebite strategy

Snakebite envenoming is a neglected tropical disease that impacts the lives of millions of people in tropical and subtropical countries. The WHO Global snakebite strategy advocates a systemic and multidisciplinary approach focused on improving treatments, strengthening health systems, engaging communities, building partnerships and mobilizing resources. Since the launch of the strategy in 2019, efforts to reduce the harm caused by snakebites have increased, but more political, financial and overall programmatic uptake is still required.

As part of International Snakebite Awareness Day 2023 (ISBAD ’23) on 19 September, the World Health Organization (WHO) will host two webinars to share insights on regional and global implementation of the snakebite strategy. The webinars will provide stakeholders with an opportunity to engage with WHO, share experiences, challenges and opportunities, and learn about the work of WHO in various regions of the world. The webinars call for broad advocacy to raise awareness and increase engagement with countries and stakeholders. The two events are timed to make it as convenient as possible for people in different time zones to join us.

Date Tuesday, 19 September 2023

Time and duration
Two virtual webinar sessions: