SNABIRC-KENYA

Vision

A promise for a better, healthier and safer life.

Mission

To create a better life for people through bridging the poverty gap and empowering the community.

Objectives

To prevent and reduce the number of fatalities and injuries due to snake bites.

SNABIRC-KENYA is a non-governmental organization whose aim is to reduce the number of deaths and disabilities due to snakebites and snake attacks. Snake bite is a serious problem in rural Africa and access and availability of Anti-venom is not always guaranteed. We therefore work to alleviate their pain and hopefully save their lives and reduce mortality due to snake bites. SNABIRC-KENYA also hopes rehabilitates those that become disabled as a result of snake bites. The growing number of snake bites is attributed to human-animal conflict, environmental degradation as well as global warming. It is becoming a health as well an economic and social problem. According to the conflict resolution warden with the Kenya Wildlife Service, 680 cases of snakebites that resulted in 81 deaths and 577 injuries had been reported between 2003 and June 2009.These statistics have now changed since 2009 and rising cases present the ice tip of an underestimated problem.

Experts warn that these rising cases could be as a result of the warming climate which has enabled snakes to move to previously cooler habitats, clearing of forests and the worsening droughts that force the reptiles to go into people’s houses to look for water.

Families living in snakebite prone zones are now being advised to keep water outside their houses so that the snakes can get a share and avoid venturing into the houses. The only dilemma is these zones have water scarcity problems therefore there is none to offer to the reptiles.

As previously mentioned, the availability of anti- venom serum is not always guaranteed and when available the cost is beyond the reach of most people. Health officials and those from the KWS agree that past experiences of drug stock-outs in many government hospitals has made the public believe that a snake antidote is not available in government facilities and whenever they are bitten by a snake they opt for traditional treatment.

Provision of anti-snake: we provide anti-snake venom/serum to victims of snakebite, especially in rural Kenya.

Rehabilitation program: We also rehabilitate those that have lost a limb or vision as a result of attacks by linking them to rehabilitation centers and supporting them to become useful members of the community.

Research: We are involved in research into venom production, snake species, behavior and ecology.
Policy: Policy formulation and guidelines in snakebite management.

Health promotion: We are involved in sensitizing the community on various aspects of primary healthcare, first aid, infection prevention, wound care and general community health through health campaigns and promotions.

Training: We are involved in community training as well as health care workers on matters pertaining snakebite. We also train them on how to prevent snakebites around their homes

Community empowerment: we empower community through advocacy information on compensation in cases of valid human wild life conflict.

http://www.snabirc-kenya.org/