Snake Bite Program SOUTH AFRICA, 2023
SAVING LIVES WITH ANTIVENOM INNOVATION – SOUTH AFRICA, 2023
Revolutionary boost for antivenom production to effectively treat snake bites in sub-Saharan Africa.
In line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal number 3 – Good Health and Well-being, Lööf Foundation has offered support to an exciting new antivenom project in South Africa. A team of experts in snake handling, snake bites and the study of snakes have come together to drive this initiative led by renowned founder of Snake Pharm, Donald Schultz and handler Neville Wolmarans.
Every year, an estimated 2.7 million people are bitten by venomous snakes, resulting in 100,000 deaths, while 400,000 more are left with life-long disfigurement or disability. The majority affected are the most vulnerable – farm workers who walk barefoot in fields and people living in the most remote rural areas with limited access to health, education and medical care.
The only effective treatment for snakebites are antibody medicines known as antivenom. Intravenous fluids and breathing machines are also vital but are difficult to access. The World Health Organization (WHO) includes antivenom on its Essential Medicines List, yet there is so little available.
The main antivenom supplier in sub-Saharan Africa, the state-owned SAVP, has experienced a significant collapse and is unlikely to recover. This has resulted in higher mortality rates for both human and animal snake bite victims – in a region renowned for many venomous snakes including forest cobra, cape cobra, snouted cobra, black mamba, green mamba, puff adder, Mozambique spitting cobra, night adder, boomslang and rinkhals to mention a few.
Usually incredibly expensive, slow and labour-intensive to produce, the collective vision of the pioneers of this innovative antivenom donor project is to make high-grade antivenom available at a relatively low cost to all of sub-Saharan Africa. How? With harmless plasma extraction from live snakes that have been captured from homes in the community, which are then safely released once donor blood has been stored.
ACTION STEPS:
- Establish a laboratory/production plant at Ndlondlo Reptile Park in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal.
- Focus on areas with high snake bite rates and financial resources for treatment.
- Veterinarians from various locations express interest in product trials and training.
- Publish and circulate data and results from these trials for awareness and human approval process.
Additionally:
- Bring in researchers to analyse venom samples and compare captive-bred and wild-caught animals and potential differences in antivenom efficacy.
- Utilise the laboratory as an emergency veterinary clinic for snake bite treatment, employing students and interns.
- Collaborate with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and an MD as staff doctors, especially for future expansion in sub-Saharan Africa.
Meet the team behind the dream
South African researcher and filmmaker Donald Schultz, began working with reptiles at the age of 13 in Durban’s renowned Fitzsimons Snake Park. In 2013, Donald founded Snake Pharm, investing years of research and resources to develop a cost-effective and high-quality antivenom. Unlike the traditional method of using horses for immunisation, Donald’s patented concept enables a quicker production process. His patents cover the USA, Peru, and South Africa.
Michael Perry’s fascination with snakes began at the age of 10 in 1963, when information was scarce. After surviving snake bites in 1971 and 1972, he reassessed his handling techniques and explored different equipment. In 1999, Michael started milking snake venom and supplying it to SAVP for antivenom production. He later conducted snake handling and snake bite first aid courses, collaborating with the late Dr. Roger Baylock to publish a comprehensive snake bite handbook.
Through years of firsthand observation and study across various African countries, Neville Wolmarans became a self-taught reptile expert. Neville successfully led a snake bite prevention initiative and established reptile parks and rescue units in South Africa. His ongoing work with the Ndlondlo Reptile Rescue Unit inspired the National Geographic series “Snakes in the City,” and he has provided consultation for various documentary productions.
MISSION:
- Focus on vulnerable rural communities who face the greatest risk and financial challenges.
- Prioritise prevention through education and training to significantly reduce snake bites.
- Implement a system of snake proofing settlements by trapping and relocating intruding snakes.
- Utilise trapped snakes to extract venom as a form of “tax” for antivenom production before relocation, gaining valuable data.
- Use our rural development program to empower communities through job creation, education and promote a sustainable way of life, enhancing their overall well-being.
Lööf Foundation is contributing material that is going to be used for the production of this life-saving
IMMEDIATE LIST OF MATERIALS NEEDED:
Consumables
- Acid citrate dextrose anticoagulant (ACD) 2 x 500ml bags
- Sterile masks (2 boxes)
- Nitrile gloves (12 boxes)
- Sterile surgical gloves (size 8) (2 boxes)
- Sterile towels
- Paper towels
- Gauze squares (6 packs)
- 23ga butterfly infusion sets (4 boxes)
- 21ga butterfly infusion sets (4 boxes)
- 10ml (additive free) red top tubes (4 boxes)
- Gauze squares (6 packs)
- Chlorhex scrub (2 bottles)
- Alcohol (2 bottles)
- 22ga 1,5 inch cysto needles (2 boxes)
- IV extension sets (2 boxes)
- 12ml syringes (4 boxes) (non-locking luer)
- 20ml syringes (4 boxes) (non-locking luer)
- 60 ml syringes (2 boxes) (non-locking luer)
Equipment
- Doppler (foetal) (X 2)
- Hot water bath (X 2)
- Bench top centrifuge (adjustable max 5000 rpm) (X2)
- Fridge / freezer / LN2 (X 2)
- Lyophilizer (freeze drying machine)
Laboratory
- 6m shipping container
- Stainless steel shelving
- Stainless steel worktops (X 2)
- Stainless steel wash basins (X 2)
- 200l PVC water tanks (X 2)
- Supplies cabinets (X 2)
- Extractor fans (X 2)
- Ultraviolet insect traps
- Insect proof meshed windows
- Double doors
- Solar panels
- Batteries
- Inverter
- Electrical fittings
Do you want to contribute or give support?
If you would like to join with Lööf Foundation in supporting this great sanctuary, or to learn more, you can contact us by e-mail to sophie@nordfasinvest.se.
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