Tackling the growing problem of snakebites

The WHO wants to reduce deaths from snakebites by half over the next decade, a goal it shared in its first-ever strategy to address the growing problem. Over 4 million people are bitten by snakes every year, many of them poisonous, and as many as 138,000 die from their injury. And just last week, the U.K.’s Wellcome Trust also announced a $100 million snakebite initiative. Many parts of the world lack adequate antivenom medications, and some experts say climate change, which is causing snakes to adapt to changing patterns by migrating to parts of the world where they’re typically not seen, is an added concern. The WHO's strategy includes plans to increase access to antivenom medicines, as well as educating communities on the benefits of seeking treatment early.