Kerala Unveils State Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (SAPSE) to Achieve Zero Deaths by 2030

Key facts

• The State Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (SAPSE) aims for zero snakebite deaths and disabilities by 2030, aligned with WHO and national targets.
• Kerala has declared snakebite as a notifiable disease under the Kerala Public Health Act to enable accurate estimation of the problem.
• The plan reorganises healthcare facilities into a tiered referral system: L1 (basic stabilisation within 30 minutes), L2 (ICU support), and L3 (tertiary care with ventilation, dialysis, plasmapheresis).
• A 24-hour State helpline for clinical guidance, referral facilitation, species identification, and expanded 108 ambulance coverage will be set up.
• The plan includes annual demand forecasting, uninterrupted procurement, improved cold chain, and digital inventory tracking for anti-snake venom (ASV).
• Training of doctors, nurses, and emergency personnel in early recognition, rational ASV use, and management of allergic reactions is a key component.
• Data-driven surveillance will be implemented through a dedicated e-health platform integrated with Forest department snake rescue data and other disease surveillance networks.
• Public awareness campaigns, expansion of 'Sarpa Paadam' and 'Sarpa Rakshak' initiatives, and promotion of the SARPA mobile app are part of prevention efforts.
• Inter-sectoral coordination involves departments of Forest, Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, Tribal Welfare, Education, Local Self-Governments, Labour, Home Affairs, and Health.
• A separate Tribal Sub-Action Plan has been developed for forest-fringe and hill communities to address delayed access and reliance on traditional healers.