Online Reporter
Sifelani Tsiko
ZIMBABWE has for decades been importing most of its anti-venom requirements mainly from South Africa, India and a few other countries.
South Africa, which has been producing its own anti-venom for the past 100 years, now faces occasional shortages due to production and supply challenges, leaving Zimbabwe to source its supplies from India. Things are changing and Zimbabwe is ramping up research into anti-venom production. Results by Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) researchers are promising and the country may soon roll out the first anti-venom to be produced in Zimbabwe in the near future.
What is anti-venom?
Anti-venom is a medicine used to neutralise the effects of venom from snake bites or stings. It uses antibodies produced against the venom. It works by binding to the venom and preventing it from causing harm to the body.
How is anti-venom generally produced?
Pharmacologists and toxicologists say the anti-venom is made by injecting small doses of snake venom into animals, such as horses. Their immune system fights the venom by producing antibodies and these are harvested to be used as a therapy. The venom and anti-venom must be closely matched because the toxins in a venomous bite vary from one species to another. There is a wide variety within the same species. Zimbabwe needs to develop its own anti-venom because anti-venom made from snakes in South Africa and could be less effective against the same species found in the country.
Why Zimbabwe needs to produce its own anti-venom?
Zimbabwe, just like many other developing countries, is grappling with the snakebites menace and an acute shortage of anti-venoms. The Ministry of Health and Child Care regularly issues out Disease Surveillance reports and the figures show that in 2023 there were 707 and three deaths, 2024 had 2 917 snakebite cases with 14 fatalities while 2025 registered 2 193 snakebites and nine deaths.
In Zimbabwe, the snake season lasts from September to March, when snakes become more active after a period of hibernation between April and August.
Official figures also show that in 2018 there were 1 937 cases of snakebites and 13 deaths while in 2017, snakebites claimed 38 lives out of 5 605 reported cases. There is a paucity of information on snakebites as many go unreported in most parts of the country. Figures are only based on estimates and on those reported in the country’s hospitals.
At present, Zimbabwe spends a sizeable amount foreign currency importing anti-venom from India and South Africa for the treatment of snakebites and other conditions.
One vial or dose costs between US$80 and US$150 or more depending on the quality and manufacturer. UZ pharmacist and toxicologist — Prof Dexter Tagwireyi says an average snakebite would require on average about five to six vials — and much more for larger neurotoxic snakes such as venomous bites from black mamba. Shortages of foreign currency and erratic supplies from South Africa make the country’s move towards own production more compelling.
Promising research trials at Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT)
Preliminary research results at Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) are promising for Zimbabwe’s drive to roll out its own anti-venom production. Researchers say the anti-venom is a polyvalent (potent against many toxins) herbal-based formula, unlike the current serum-based anti-venom that is specific to a snake type. It harnesses the country’s traditional heritage — tapping on the herbal medicines that were used by locals since time immemorial to treat snakebites.
“The research is going well and very encouraging as we develop a polyvalent herbal-based formula that neutralises the different effects of venom,” said CUT researcher Takura Gozho.
“The challenge with available anti-venom is that it is serum-based and responds to a specific snakebite, for instance, the anti-venom for a black mamba cannot work for a puff adder bite. That is why health workers demand to know the type or description of the snake that bit a victim to administer the right venom.”
“We have done experimental trials with animal models and we anticipate working with the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) for the commencement of clinical trials. We have done in-vitro experiments (done outside of a living organism) and invivo (within a living organism) to see the effectiveness of the anti-venom being developed before clinical trials.”
The mission by Zimbabwean researchers to develop a local anti-venom could be a significant step in finding an anti-venom against all snakebites that- which kill up to 40 people a year in some years and leave scores needing amputations or facing permanent disability.
How many people are killed by snake bites globally?
Between 4,5 and 5,4 million people get bitten by snakes annually. Snakebites kill approximately 32 000 people in sub-Saharan Africa and leave 100 000 survivors nursing injuries, many of whom suffer permanent physical disabilities, according to a WHO study.
Globally, poisonous snakebites kill between 81 000 and 138 000 people a year due to complications and leave a further 400 000 with lost limbs, blindness and trauma. Many amputations and other permanent disabilities are caused by snake bites annually.
According to the World Health Organisation, data on snakebites remains fragmented and inaccurate. Many cases in rural areas go unreported as victims do not attend health centres or hospitals and instead rely on traditional treatments.
Does the country have a Snake Institute?
No, it does not have. For decades many reports with recommendations to create the Zimbabwe Snake Institute have been made with little progress.
Prof Tagwireyi said the country should mobilise resources to establish a Zimbabwe Snake Institute which can be mandated to provide training in snake awareness, first aid for snake bites and venomous snake handling courses as well as the production of anti-venom.
“We have not made progress on this. To produce anti-venom on a large scale in Zimbabwe it will take seriousness, commitment politically, financially and otherwise?
“Prioritisation of the issue backed with actual financial commitment will be important. We don’t just need to talk with no action,” he said.
What about snake farming in Zimbabwe?
Currently, Zimbabwe has four permit holders for snake farming, according to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks). Uptake is still very low because of cultural beliefs among locals. To start a snake rearing project, Zimparks charges a US$100 fee for assessment of premises or property, security, capacity to handle and feed snakes and the availability of water for snakes. After an assessment, a Zimparks ecologist then prepares a report for approval by the authority. If all requirements are met, a prospective farmer then pays US$500 for a one – year permit. Permits are issued for tourism and educational purposes with some scope for harnessing venom.
“South Africans have managed to get it up and running (snake farming). They have two major snake farms that supply snake venom to laboratories for the development of anti-venom which is exported to the entire SADC region and across the continent,” says Prof Tagwireyi.
“As a country, we need to take practical efforts to promote the establishment of a snake farm and research centre and the development of micro — niche in the snake and anti-venom industry to save the lives of our people, widen export revenue options and tap into a niche that can create opportunities for academics and researchers.” Researchers have to grapple with challenges of storage of the anti-venom serum, typically at an average temperature of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius. The anti-venom remains effective for about two years from the date of manufacture.
What types of snakes are found in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe has about 80 different species of snakes, with 20 of them considered dangerous. At least six of the dangerous species, including the black mamba, snouted cobra, Mozambique spitting cobra, puff adder, boomslang and gaboon viper, account for 75 percent of fatal snake bites.
Why understanding snakebites matters?
Snakes can be venomous and can kill. Using various guides and information, the public needs to learn more about types of snake bites, the symptoms of a snake bite, treatment of non-venomous and venomous snake bites and actions that can be taken to make our yards less attractive to snakes.
Sources
Ministry of Health and Child Care Disease Surveillance Reports
WHO fact-sheets on snakebite-envenoming
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15647-snake-bites
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/snake-bites
