Snakebite envenoming is a significant health challenge globally, particularly affecting remote and underserved communities, often worsened by environmental factors such as population displacement and climate shocks. According to the World Health Organization, approximately five million people are bitten by snakes annually, with two million suffering severe consequences and an estimated 100,000 dying. Snakebite is recognized as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD), primarily due to the lack of prioritization and funding for research into effective treatments and antivenoms.

In South Sudan, MSF treated more than 300 patients from snakebites in facilities across the country between January and July this year. Despite the high numbers, access to snake antivenom is a challenge due to the high costs, low efficacy of the available brands and severe side effects.

Because of this, MSF is collaborating with the University of Geneva’s One Health Unit to pilot a project that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to enhance snake identification and patient care in two MSF hospitals in South Sudan.

MSF also conducts health awareness sessions to help communities in South Sudan stay safe from snakebites.