MBABANE: Lizzie Nkosi, the Minister of Health has warned the Nation to be safe from snake bites as the country runs short of antivenom.
Speaking to this Swaziland News on Wednesday,the Minister said the country was not manufacturing any antivenom but relied on South Africa.
“The most common antivenom is for the spitting cobra (imfeti), The whole SADC region relies on South Africa for the antivenom . We should take into account that manufacturing these antivenoms is a difficult and long process. We urge Swazis to exercise caution at all times in this snake bite season," said the Health Minister.
Reached for comments, Thea Litschka-Koen, the Founder and Chairperson of the Eswatini Antivenom Foundation said the whole region was affected as the Antivenom vials stock remained low adding that snake bite victims should seek medical attention as soon as possible and avoid using traditional remedies.
“The whole region is affected as the antivenom vials stocks remain low.We haven't been able to receive stock since October last year,the situation is dire and eSwatini has never been in such a position. It is important to prevent snake bites by wearing gumboots when doing outdoor household chores especially after sunset. You can also cover your bed with a mosquito nest", she said.
Mayibongwe Masangane,the Secretary General of the Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union (SWADNU)said Government should supply medication to all facilities.
"Government needs to supply medication to all facilities because snakes are everywhere," he said.
A snake.