Despite the rapid advancement of science and technology in the twenty-first century, snakebite remains a fatal but neglected public health issue in Bangladesh. Each year, numerous lives are lost-many unnecessarily-due to the lack of timely medical intervention and limited access to effective antivenom.
The issue is compounded by widespread reliance on traditional healers, delays in seeking hospital care, and the inadequate availability of antivenoms at upazila health complexes. This is especially concerning as the monsoon season approaches, a period during which snakebite incidents sharply rise across the country.
Bangladesh's geographic location, tropical climate, high population density, and frequent human-wildlife interactions make it one of the world's snakebite hotspots. Yet, the country still lacks sufficient research and production capacity for locally effective antivenoms.
Snake venom is a complex mixture of enzymatic and toxic proteins, varying significantly by species, habitat, and environment. While most antivenoms currently used in Bangladesh are imported from India, these are often designed for Indian snake species. Due to ecological and genetic differences, their effectiveness against native Bangladeshi snake species is not always reliable.
It is therefore essential to invest in research and development of antivenoms specifically targeted at endemic venomous species in Bangladesh. Locally produced polyvalent antivenoms-effective against multiple venom types-could greatly enhance treatment efficacy, reduce costs, and ensure more reliable availability in rural and underserved areas.
This issue requires urgent attention from policymakers, researchers, healthcare providers, and public health authorities. Developing a national strategy for snakebite prevention and antivenom production could not only save countless lives but also strengthen our rural healthcare infrastructure. At the same time, development of the local polyvalent antivenom may decrease the cost of developing medical facilities in rural networks.
Samia Jahan Shefa
Student
Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
Jashore University of Science and Technology
ashikwodchem@gmail.com
