Kerala Unveils State Action Plan for Snakebite Control

Kerala unveiled its State Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (SAPSE) on 20 July 2026. The plan sets a target of zero snakebite deaths and disabilities by 2030 and aligns with World Health Organization and national targets.

Snakebite Envenoming as a Public Health Issue

Snakebite envenoming is a medical emergency caused by venom injected through a snakebite. Kerala declared snakebite envenoming a notifiable disease under the Kerala Public Health Act, 2023, by 13 October 2025. Notifiable disease status requires systematic reporting and surveillance by health authorities.

One Health Framework and Inter-Sectoral Coordination

SAPSE uses a One Health approach, which links human health, animal health, and environmental health. The plan involves the health, forestry, animal husbandry, agriculture, education, local self-government, and wildlife sectors. A multidisciplinary conclave at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences on 13 February 2025 contributed to the plan’s development.

Surveillance, Treatment, and Hospital Preparedness

The action plan focuses on surveillance of snakebite cases and deaths through the Integrated Health Information Platform, Health Management Information System, and the SARPA app. Hospitals are being mapped to identify red flag hotspots, which will receive additional support. The plan also provides for stronger primary care, better referral hospitals, and additional anti-snake venom facilities in high-risk areas.

Important Facts for Exams

• Anti-snake venom is available in 151 government hospitals and 150 private hospitals in Kerala.
• In 2025, 8,456 vials of anti-snake venom were distributed across 133 hospitals in Kerala.
• In 2025, 6,382 vials of anti-snake venom were administered to patients in Kerala.
• Kerala recorded 18 snakebite deaths in 2025, compared with 123 fatalities in 2018-19.

Species-Specific Protocols and Awareness Measures

The plan includes separate treatment protocols for the Hump-nosed Pit Viper and the Malabar Pit Viper. Awareness measures include training teachers with Sarpa volunteers, producing educational videos through school social media clubs, and including snakebite prevention in the school curriculum. Community-based reporting systems and local self-government participation are also part of the plan.

Anti-Venom Production and Emergency Transport

Kerala has discussed setting up an anti-venom production facility to support snakebite mortality reduction. Patients are transported by the Kanivu 108 ambulance service, which is used for emergency medical transport in the state.