| Project: |
To date, seventy-seven species of snakes have been identified in Nepal, twenty-one of them venomous. Three species of cobras, five species of kraits, as well as coral snakes, all with powerful neurotoxins, are the common snakes of the family elapidae, while twelve species of vipers and pit vipers represent the family viperidae. Because of the tropical climate and rural nature of much of southern Nepal, snakebite is very common. WHO has estimated that there are over 20,000 snakebites each year in Nepal, one thousand of them fatal. Unfortunately, transportation and medical facilities are grossly inadequate. Most victims of snakebite seek assistance first from faith healers and death frequently occurs before the victim is brought to a hospital.
This project will develop, publish and distribute simple educational materials directed at recognizing venomous snakes and how to avoid them, how to provide first aid in case of snakebite and how and when to convey victims to the nearest facilities prepared to treat snakebite effectively. Booklets and posters will be provided to farmers' groups, women's groups, schools and other public facilities in Chitwan and Nawalparasi districts in southern Nepal.
To learn more about this project, see Snakebite Prevention.
|