Snakebites in Africa: The Hidden Economic Burden

Snakebite envenomation is a significant issue in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), causing over 30% of global deaths from snakebites. This problem doesn't just affect health; it also comes with a hefty financial cost. The direct and indirect expenses are high, and there are economic barriers that need to be addressed. The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to cut the number of snakebites in half by 2030. To achieve this, we need to understand the economics of snakebite envenomation and develop strategies to lessen the burden. Research is key here. We should explore different ways to prevent snakebites and find out how much these methods cost. This information can help create policies that reduce the number of snakebite cases and lower the economic burden. In this review, we look at the financial aspects of snakebite envenomation and how SSA countries can afford to tackle this issue. We also suggest steps to ease the financial strain and propose research strategies to cut both direct and indirect costs.