Implementing Interventions Under “National Action Plan for Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE) in India”: Challenges, Lessons Learnt and Way Forward for Stakeholders Participatory Approach

Snakebite envenoming remains a critical yet underrecognized public health issue, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, with India bearing nearly half of the global burden of snakebite-related deaths. Despite its significant impact, underreporting, delayed medical intervention, and insufficiently trained healthcare professionals continue to exacerbate the problem. In response, the Government of India launched the National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE) in March 2024, aiming to halve snakebite-related deaths by 2030. This comprehensive strategy emphasizes strengthening surveillance systems, enhancing the distribution and quality of anti-snake venom (ASV), improving healthcare infrastructure, and promoting community awareness through a One Health approach. The plan also addresses critical challenges such as inadequate training at primary healthcare levels, inconsistent ASV supply, and inefficient emergency referral systems. By fostering multi-sectoral collaboration and targeted interventions, NAPSE aims to reduce mortality and disability associated with snakebite envenoming, aligning with global health objectives and setting an example for regional efforts in South-East Asia.