Snake bite victims in South Sudan’s Gogrial State are at risk of dying or developing other health complications due to lack of antivenom.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, State Health Minister Jong Anthony Deng said public health facilities lack medicine for snake bites.
The official further said heavy floods in the state have led to a jump in the number of venomous snakebites since October last year. Minister Jong revealed that two people died after a snake bite in Kwacjok town recently.
“We recorded about 77 cases of snake bites in Kwacjok town within three months. We are still receiving reports of snake bites in Awan and other counties,” he explained.
The minister said they are in contact with international health partners in an effort to overcome the acute shortage of antivenoms in the state. He pointed out that many snake bite victims in villages seek help from traditional healers who may not be able to handle the cases.
The state minister called on local residents to report snake bite cases to health facilities.