Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
THE Government has reaffirmed its commitment to combat snake bites and rabies-related deaths, particularly in border areas and forested regions where the health threats remain most severe, through prioritising adequate medical supplies and preventive interventions to protect vulnerable communities.
Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora on Tuesday told Parliament that the Government is fully seized with the need to ensure adequate medical supplies for snake bites and rabies.
This was after legislators raised concerns about cases of snake bites and rabies. Dr Mombeshora indicated that the Government had incorporated the fight against snake bites and rabies into the national health strategy.
“Both snake bites and rabies are classified as neglected tropical diseases. They disproportionately affect our rural populations, and the Minister of Health and Child Care has placed them firmly on the National Health Agenda through the neglected tropical disease master plan for 2023 to 2027, which was launched in December 2024 and guides our comprehensive response,” he said.
Dr Mombeshora said measures had been taken to ensure adequate stocks of rabies vaccines and snake anti-venom around the country through NatPharm and other health facilities.
“Contrary to any perceptions of shortage, the Minister of Health and Child Care has taken deliberate efforts to stock both products, particularly in facilities in high-incidence areas,” he said.
“This targeted approach ensures that communities in high-incidence areas are protected. Regarding the rabies vaccine, our facilities in endemic areas hold stocks, which enable prompt intervention when a patient reports to a facility. A treatment must be initiated as soon as possible after exposure to be effective.”
Data presented to Parliament shows that snake bites remain a concern in several districts with 1 513 cases of snake bites having recorded this year.
“So, far in 2026, the total number of snake bite cases recorded is 1 513 cases. Hurungwe District has 64 cases, Zvimba District 61 cases, Makonde 46, Buhera 43 and Bikita District 39 cases.
“These are among the highest burden districts. These are the areas where we have intensified our anti-venom distribution and pre-positioning efforts.”
He indicated that on rabies, the country recorded a cumulative total of 331 dog rabies cases and 17 human rabies deaths between 2022 and October 2024.
Manicaland recorded the highest number of animal rabies cases with 126, followed by Mashonaland East with 50, Masvingo 44, Mashonaland Central 34, Mashonaland West 28, Midlands 20, Matabeleland South 13, Matabeleland North 12, Harare four and Bulawayo zero.
“These figures demonstrate that rabies is present throughout our country, with Manicaland province being the most affected,” he said.
“The 17 human deaths represent 17 preventable tragedies and we are determined to prevent such losses going forward.”
Dr Mombeshora said Government prevention efforts were also being strengthened through community awareness campaigns.
“On prevention, we are conducting health education and community engagement to address misconceptions surrounding snake bites and rabies. Traditional leaders in affected areas are critical partners in this effort,” he said.
