Snakebite burden in Sub-Saharan Africa: estimates from 41 countries. (1st March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Halilu, Sadiq; Iliyasu, Garba; Hamza, Muhammad; Chippaux, Jean-Philippe; Kuznik, Andreas; Habib, Abdulrazaq G.
• Is Part Of: Toxicon. Volume 159(2019)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 4
• Publication Date: 2019-03-01
• Subjects: Burden -- Snakebite -- Sub-Saharan Africa -- Disability adjusted life years; Toxins -- Periodicals; Venom -- Periodicals; 615.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.12.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0041-0101

Abstract

Abstract: There is no reliable estimate of burden of snakebite-envenoming (SBE) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We derived from a meta-analysis the burden of SBE related deaths, amputations and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in 41 countries in SSA. The annual burden was estimated at 1.03 million DALYs (95% Confidence Interval: 0.80–1.28 million DALYs). This is similar to or higher than the burden of many Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and the finding advocates for a commensurate resources allocation towards control of SBE. Highlights: The burden of snakebite envenoming (SBE) in sub-Saharan Africa is considerable. In addition to mortality, amputations and post-traumatic stress disorder account for a sizable proportion of the burden. The total annual burden is estimated at 1.03 million DALYs (95% Confidence Interval: 0.80 - 1.28 million DALYs). The burden of SBE surpasses that of many other Neglected Tropical Diseases and requires more resources for control.