KATHMANDU: Approximately 20,000 people are bitten by snakes annually in Nepal, resulting in about 1,000 deaths, according to data presented at a recent interaction program in Rajbiraj, Saptari. Public health expert Kailash Khaki Shrestha shared the statistics, citing data from the World Health Organization.
Shrestha noted that out of 89 snake species found in Nepal, 17 are venomous. He emphasized the importance of seeking medical treatment immediately rather than relying on traditional healing methods. “A snake bite does not necessarily mean death; one can save their life by staying calm and reaching a snakebite treatment center in time,” he said.
The program, organized by Sabal Nepal under the Sankalpa project in partnership with Fairmed, highlighted efforts to address neglected tropical diseases. Fairmed senior meal officer Rusa Upadhyay stated that the project is currently active in six local levels of Saptari, including Hanumannagar Kankalini Municipality and the rural municipalities of Bishnupur, Tirhut, Tilathi Koiladi, Chhinnamasta, and Rajgadh.
The project focuses on 11 diseases, including snakebite, leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, scabies, soil-transmitted helminths, rabies, kala-azar, dengue, tapeworm, measles, and mycetoma. Upadhyay explained that these diseases are more prevalent in the Terai region due to poverty, poor sanitation, and limited access to healthcare. She added that early diagnosis, proper treatment, and environmental sanitation are essential to reducing the risks associated with these neglected diseases.
