Snakebite victims at risk: SA in anti-venom crisis

SOUTH Africa faces a critical anti-venom shortage due to infrastructure upgrades at the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), leaving snakebite victims at risk.

- YOSHINI PERUMAL

The NHLS reported that last year, the South African Vaccine Producers (SAVP) facility underwent extensive infrastructure and equipment upgrades, which contributed to the shortage of the production of anti-venom.

Mzi Gcukumana, senior communications manager for the NHLS, confirmed the situation was no different at present.

“Due to the extent of the work required, anti-venom manufacturing processes had to be temporarily discontinued during the renovations.

“While in the middle of renovations, the project experienced delays due to the postponed delivery of specialised equipment and the requirement to ensure that the work delivered by contractors met the quality standards prescribed by the rigorous regulatory environment for sterile manufacture,” Gcukumana said.

Stockpiles of spider, scorpion and polyvalent anti-venoms had been depleted, she said.