The partnership between the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine and the Setthatirath Hospital in Vientiane, in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic dates back to 2013. The assisted project focuses on treating snakebites in Laos. Setthatirath Hospital has been commissioned by the national Ministry of Health to develop structures for treating snakebites.
Problem: Laos has one of the world’s highest rates of snakebites. Most victims are poor. The problem also attracts little attention on the part of the country’s national health authorities – most hospitals have no antivenom and no knowledge of treatment methods. For poor villagers in particular, traditional medicine is often the only resort if they are bitten by a snake.
Main activities: Doctors and nursing staff from 10 provinces of the country are attending courses to learn more about snakebites. Posters and brochures are being distributed to educate the population, and guidelines drawn up for treatment. Participating hospitals from a number of provinces are being supplied with antivenom.
Short-term results: Snakebite victims are to have easier access to medical care and better chances of survival.
Long-term results: The vision of the partnership is to achieve a lasting reduction in the number of deaths across the country due to snakebites.