Snake bite cases have been on the rise in Kitui County, prompting urgent intervention to protect lives across the region. In response to the growing threat, the Ministry of Health has stocked 86 health facilities with anti-venom drugs to ensure timely treatment for victims of snake attacks.
The distribution has been extended across all eight sub-counties, equipping Level 4 hospitals, health centers, and dispensaries with life-saving anti-venoms. This initiative particularly targets areas known to be prone to venomous snake attacks, where residents have long suffered delayed treatment due to a shortage of the drugs.
Medical officials emphasize that immediate action is critical once a snake bite occurs. A patient is advised to rush to the nearest health center within 30 minutes of the incident for the anti-venom injection. After receiving the initial treatment, victims may be referred to Level 4 hospitals for further medication and monitoring, especially in cases involving highly poisonous snakes.
The surge in cases has led to a 37% increase in hospital visits across Kitui. Health experts are urging residents to treat every snake bite as a medical emergency and avoid relying on traditional remedies, which often delay access to effective care. By seeking prompt medical attention, patients can significantly improve their chances of recovery.
To ensure accountability and prevent misuse, the Ministry has rolled out digital monitoring systems for tracking the distribution and use of the anti-venom drugs. This system is designed to safeguard the stock, reduce malpractice, and enhance transparency in healthcare delivery.
Communities living in snake-prone regions are also being sensitized on preventive measures, including keeping homesteads clear of tall grass, avoiding walking barefoot in the dark, and exercising caution in farms and grazing fields where snakes are commonly found.
The provision of anti-venoms in Kitui marks a major step in addressing a public health challenge that has long endangered lives in rural Kenya. By combining rapid treatment, community awareness, and digital accountability systems, health authorities hope to reduce fatalities and long-term complications arising from snake bites.
