Kerala unveiled its State Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (SAPSE) on July 20, 2026, with an ambitious target of zero snakebite deaths. Snakebite envenoming is classified by the WHO as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD), killing an estimated 1.8-2.7 lakh people globally each year. India has the world's highest burden with 46,000-58,000 annual snakebite deaths. Kerala's SAPSE covers: improved antivenom availability, rapid response teams, community awareness campaigns, and hospital-level readiness protocols. Kerala's dense biodiversity and high snake diversity make it particularly vulnerable.
Environment
Kerala Launches SAPSE — State Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming; Targets Zero Deaths
Key Points
- Kerala unveiled its State Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (SAPSE) on July 20, 2026, with an ambitious target of zero snakebite deaths
- Snakebite envenoming is classified by the WHO as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD), killing an estimated 1.8-2.7 lakh people globally each year
- India has the world's highest burden with 46,000-58,000 annual snakebite deaths
- Kerala's SAPSE covers: improved antivenom availability, rapid response teams, community awareness campaigns, and hospital-level readiness protocols
- Kerala's dense biodiversity and high snake diversity make it particularly vulnerable
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• Kerala SAPSE: State Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (July 20, 2026) • Target: Zero snakebite deaths; WHO: snakebite envenoming = Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) • India: 46,000-58,000 annual snakebite deaths — world's highest burden • Kerala CM: Pinarayi Vijayan (CPI-M); Kerala: high snake diversity (Western Ghats + coastal)
