The continuation of the partnership between the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine and the Setthathirath Hospital aims to enhance the medical care of patients with snake-bite poisoning in 18 provincial hospitals and seven selected district hospitals in Laos.
Background:
Snake-bite poisoning is a neglected health problem in Laos. The country records approximately 20,000 snake bites each year, with an estimated 400 cases ending in death and 1,500 bites causing permanent disabilities. What is more, treatment with antivenin in Laos is in most cases insufficient and medical staff are not adequately trained in treating snake bites to be able to guarantee the care of those affected.
Activities:
- Providing training to snake bite treatment teams in 18 provincial hospital and seven district hospitals
- Finalising the treatment guidelines and gaining approval from the Ministry of Health
- Training students in how to deal with snake bites
- Setting up a scheme for distributing antivenin to provincial hospitals
Impact:
The ongoing training measures are designed to help improve the treatment of snake-bite patients in the long term. As snake bites usually represent a risk factor for the country’s destitute rural population, the project gives this target group in particular access to antivenin and comprehensive treatment at the provincial hospitals.