Strike Out Snakebite (SOS)

Andrea is focused on practical interventions from bed nets and protective footwear to better housing, helping to reduce exposure to both malaria and snakebite. And while product development is vital, she stresses the importance of acting now with what works: first aid protocols, community training, and timely access to treatment.    For her, the Global Snakebite Taskforce represents an opportunity to bring together proven public health strategies, community leadership, and new innovation to finally tackle a crisis that has long been neglected.    Together, we can – and must – #StrikeOutSnakebite 

📣 Meet Andrea Lucard 📣    Andrea brings a wealth of experience from the fight against malaria, having spent years working to design, fund and scale malaria elimination. Her expertise in global health, product development, and systems change brings valuable perspective to the Taskforce’s mission.    She sees striking parallels between malaria and snakebite, both disproportionately affect the poorest communities and require coordinated, multi-layered solutions that span prevention, treatment and innovation.    Andrea joins the GST to help channel energy into solutions that work, from rapid first response and protective equipment to stronger diagnostics and next generation antivenoms.     Together, we can – and must – #StrikeOutSnakebite 

The GST was launched at an informal side event at the World Health Assembly in May. Professor David Lalloo, Vice-Chancellor of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and member of the Global Snakebite Taskforce, reflected on the moment:    “It was fantastic to see the shared commitment from all sectors to address the major problem of snakebite.”    He emphasised that progress will require coordinated action across every level of the system, from governments and global institutions to academics, frontline health workers and affected communities. But above all, sustained investment will be key to driving long-term impact.    The GST is committed to turning that shared commitment into tangible change.    Together, we can – and we must – #StrikeOutSnakebite 

📣 Meet Professor David Lalloo 📣   A renowned clinician and researcher, Professor Lalloo has led pioneering work on infectious and neglected tropical diseases, including critical research into snakebite envenoming. Under his leadership, LSTM has become a driving force in global efforts to improve treatment access and clinical outcomes for snakebite victims.   On the Taskforce, Professor Lalloo brings deep expertise in clinical research, partnerships and global collaboration. His work continues to shape policies, science and affective care for communities most impacted by SBE.   Together, we can – and we must – #StrikeOutSnakebite

“Why has snakebite envenoming been ignored?” asks Dr Yogesh. It strikes the poorest and triggers a medical emergency, yet antivenom is costly, context‑specific and deemed “unsexy” by many funders.   Answering this question is the key to the GST's work. For Dr Jain, addressing snakebite means going beyond raising awareness. It’s about tackling the structural reasons behind its neglect: low visibility compared to diseases like dengue and that treatment isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all.   As a member of the Global Snakebite Taskforce, Dr Yogesh is working to join the dots, linking communities, practitioners, policymakers, and manufacturers, to build real momentum behind neglected but life‑saving innovation. Together, we can – and we must – #StrikeOutSnakebite

📣 Meet Dr Yogesh Jain 📣      We’re delighted to introduce Dr  yogesh jain, a seasoned clinician‑researcher with decades of experience in tropical medicine to the Global Snakebite Taskforce (GST).     Dr Jain combines frontline clinical work, applied research, and advocacy to overcome technical, economic, and political barriers to rural healthcare.    On the Taskforce, Dr Jain will harness his grassroots insight to push for greater investment in R&D, strengthen links between frontline communities and policymakers and advocate for solutions that lead to faster diagnostics, better antivenoms and stronger health systems.    Together, we can – and we must – #StrikeOutSnakebite 

How can you get more people to take interest in an overlooked health crisis? Snakebites & Ladders is more than a boardgame, it’s a tool to spark action. 🎲 Players navigate a path shaped by the real-world challenges faced by snakebite victims. Challenge Cards introduce systemic barriers, such as depleted antivenom stock or underfunded health systems. Whereas Chance Cards reflect the unpredictable realities that can either help or hinder survival from wearing unprotective footwear, venom composition of a snakebite to access to roads and transport. Do you think you could navigate the challenges in Snakebites & Ladders? Remember you might win the game, but the crisis continues... 🐍 #StrikeOutSnakebite

In an interview with Just two Degrees for TRT World, Julien Potet, NTD Policy Advisor at MSF outlines the stark reality of snakebite envenoming, one of the world’s most neglected health emergencies.    Snakebite disproportionately affects some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. It’s a crisis driven by health inequality, underinvestment and a lack of access to effective treatment.    In this interview, Julien also highlights the emerging link between climate change and the rising number of snakebite incidents, including:    🌊 Increased flooding forcing snakes into closer contact with humans.    🌡️ Rising temperatures influencing snakebite patterns with certain venomous species becoming more abundant in West Africa (based on preliminary research).    🐍 It’s important to note that snakes should not be vilified - they are a vital part of our ecosystem, and typically only bite when threatened.    Crucially, Julien calls for greater action to help solve this increasing and prevalent issue, particularly in education and strengthening health systems to ensure adequate prevention and treatment options are available for those that are bitten.     Watch the full TRT World interview in the link below. 

Snakebite kills up to 138,000 people every year, and many of these deaths are entirely preventable. Yet for many, surviving a snakebite still comes down to a game of chance. Addressing the problem requires tackling a range of complex challenges: from underfunded health systems and limited access to effective treatment, to a widespread lack of awareness. That’s why we created Snakebites & Ladders, a unique boardgame that brings the real-world obstacles of snakebite envenoming into focus. Designed to engage global health change makers, it tells the story of this neglected crisis in a new, compelling way, sparking dialogue and drawing attention to the areas where urgent change is needed. Together, we can - and we must - #StrikeOutSnakebite. 

This week, The Economist published interviews with GST members Dr yogesh jain and Professor David Lalloo from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine as part of a feature on the scale of the snakebite issue in India.     Estimates indicate that India accounts for around one-third of all snakebites and roughly 40% of related deaths globally. Each year, tens of thousands of people in the country die or are left with life-changing disabilities as a result. As the article highlights, this toll is both devastating and preventable.     “If it was dengue or HIV or some other thing that was more sexy, it would have gotten buy-in much earlier,” Dr Jain noted.    Dr David Lalloo outlined the challenges in accessing treatment and high cost of antivenoms, explaining that while antimalarials can cost as little as $1 a day, snakebite antivenoms can range between $12 - $300, making them difficult for many at-risk communities to afford.     As in many affected regions, the challenge of preventing snakebite in India stems largely from limited infrastructure, which hampers timely access to antivenom. However, smaller interventions, such as providing protective footwear and adjusting the timing of farmers' fieldwork, can also play an important role in reducing risk.     Raising awareness and mobilising resources for these critical areas lies at the heart of the Global Snakebite Taskforce’s urgent mission.     Read the full Economist article in the comments below.