Chaudhry Waqar Anwar leads fight against snakebites

Climate change is having a profound impact on communities in countries like Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and beyond, leading to an increase in snakebites and deaths from envenomation. This alarming trend is a direct result of changes in temperature and habitat loss, which are pushing snakes closer to human settlements, posing a significant threat to public health.

In Punjabi culture, the act of avoiding a snakebite is known as 'kakh lagna', symbolizing a narrow escape from danger. Farmers like Chaudhry Waqar Anwar from Gujranwala, Punjab, often face the risk of snake encounters while working in the fields, where snakes hide under crops, putting their lives at risk.

Recent research has shed light on the connection between climate change, extreme weather events, and the surge in snakebite incidents in the region. Changes in land use, such as converting natural habitats into arable land, have disrupted snake habitats, leading to more frequent and fatal encounters between snakes and humans.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared snakebite envenoming a neglected tropical disease in 2017, highlighting the severity of the issue, particularly in South Asia. Impoverished communities bear the brunt of snakebites due to limited access to life-saving antivenom, resulting in a significant number of deaths each year.

Despite the lack of official data on snakebite cases in Pakistan, estimates suggest that tens of thousands of cases occur annually, with many going unreported due to inadequate healthcare access. Similar challenges exist in neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, where incomplete data hinders accurate assessments of the snakebite burden.

Efforts to address this pressing issue require a comprehensive approach that includes improving healthcare access, raising awareness through education, and promoting environmental conservation to mitigate the impact of climate change on snake habitats. By working together, communities can combat the growing crisis of snakebites and protect lives in the face of this escalating threat.

As climate change continues to drive snakes closer to human settlements, the risk of snakebites in South Asia remains a critical concern. It is imperative for governments, healthcare providers, and communities to collaborate on solutions that prioritize healthcare access, education, and environmental preservation. By taking proactive measures to address the root causes of snakebite incidents, we can safeguard vulnerable populations and create a safer environment for all.