African Snakebite Alliance

The legacy of neglect of the issue of snakebite is clear. Up to one-third of annual global snakebite deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa. But the neglect includes uncounted deaths and incomplete assessment of morbidity due to snakebite. The 2019 WHO roadmap has a clearly stated goal of halving snakebite deaths and disability worldwide by 2030. However, achieving that goal is considerably hampered by the lack of high-quality research evidence to inform policy and practice. Aim: To improve health outcomes for people affected by snakebite envenoming by addressing evidence gaps in policy and practice in Africa. This bold and innovative approach will transform the snakebite field by linking the international scientific community with local policy and community actors in an Alliance that is anchored in Africa. This co-ordinated approach is crucial for ensuring that the WHO goal reducing morbidity and mortality will succeed. 

Objectives

• To undertake high-quality research relevant to improving health outcomes for people affected by snakebite in Africa 
• To develop systems to support national and regional bodies in Africa to incorporate research evidence into decision making in policy and practice 
• To develop and support a sustainable and cross-disciplinary capacity for snakebite research in Africa