News
South Africa’s Antivenom Shortage Eases as Lifesaving Stocks Return
A crisis in the making
For more than a year, South Africa has faced a dangerous shortage of snake antivenom. Hospitals and clinics across the country were stretched thin, and snakebite victims in rural and farming communities were most at risk. Now, there is finally a glimmer of hope.
The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) has confirmed that production has resumed, with more than 500 vials already released. This marks the first significant replenishment of stock since mid-2024, when the South African Vaccine Producers (SAVP) reported it could no longer supply doses due to electricity challenges and renovations at its facility.
Why antivenom matters
South Africa records roughly 4,000 snakebites every year, leading to around 900 hospitalisations. Only a small percentage of cases require antivenom, about 3%, but in those instances, it can mean the difference between life and death.
Snakebite treatment relies heavily on polyvalent antivenom, which works against multiple toxins, and the NHLS has already produced 435 vials of it since restarting operations in September. Manufacturing is slow and complex, with rigorous safety checks needed at every step, which is why stock recovery takes time.
More than just snakes
The NHLS has also confirmed that antivenoms for boomslang, spiders, and scorpions are on the way, with the first releases expected in November. While scorpion and spider bites in South Africa are rarely life-threatening, these antidotes remain an important part of emergency preparedness. According to the African Snakebite Institute, Southern Africa is home to more than 2,200 spider species and 150 scorpion species, but fatalities from their bites or stings are virtually unheard of.
Boomslang bites, on the other hand, though rare, fewer than six are recorded each year, can be fatal without swift treatment.
A cautious relief
The antivenom shortage revealed just how vulnerable South Africa’s healthcare system can be to disruptions. With production back online, experts are hopeful that the country’s supply can stabilise in time for the summer months, when snake activity is at its peak.
For communities that live close to the land, where snake encounters are part of daily life, this development offers some peace of mind. As the NHLS put it, restoring local antivenom supply is not just a scientific achievement, but a crucial step in saving lives.
Also read: Rapture Delayed: Mahlatse Letoka Says God Has Given the World “More Prep Time”
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikT
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Source: The Citizen
Featured Image: News24
