Health PS Mary Muthoni represents Kenya in Geneva, Switzerland, for the World Health Assembly on May 23, 2025./MOH X account.The Ministry of Health has raised alarm over the growing threat of snakebites, which claim more than 100,000 lives globally each year.
In a renewed international effort to address this often-overlooked health crisis, Kenya has joined Costa Rica, Egypt, and Ghana in leading the charge against snakebite envenoming (SBE).
The countries made their joint commitment during the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) in Geneva.
Speaking at a high-level event hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO), Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, underscored the urgency of tackling snakebites as a neglected tropical disease.
“Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease that claims more than 100,000 lives each year,” she said.
“Ending preventable deaths from snakebites is not only achievable, it is a moral imperative.”
Muthoni reaffirmed Kenya’s dedication to improving its health systems, training frontline workers, and promoting local production of antivenoms to save lives—particularly in rural and underserved areas where snakebites are most common.
The gathering also focused on the World Health Organization’s 2030 targets for reducing snakebite deaths and disabilities.
It called for stronger global support for the Strike Out Snakebite (SOS) initiative, which aims to boost access to lifesaving antivenoms and treatment.
A recent WHO report highlights the magnitude of the crisis: an estimated 5.4 million people are bitten by snakes each year, with 1.8 to 2.7 million developing serious envenoming symptoms.
Between 81,000 and 138,000 people die annually, and many more suffer amputations or permanent disabilities.
The report notes that agricultural workers and children are the most vulnerable.
“Children often suffer more severe effects than adults, due to their smaller body mass,” WHO stated.
In Kenya, the situation is particularly alarming.
According to the Institute of Primate Research, about 4,000 people die from snakebites each year, while around 7,000 more experience complications such as paralysis or long-term health issues.
As global leaders push for change, Kenya’s participation in the WHA78 signals a growing commitment to tackle snakebite deaths with urgency, collaboration, and community-focused solutions.
