Snakebite is one of the most neglected public health issues in rural Nepal. Estimates show that every year at least 40,000 people are bitten (due to lack of awareness) and some 3000 die (from inadequate medical care). Not only do rural communities lack awareness on how to prevent and treat snakebite, but they also lack a political voice as evinced by the fact that snakebite has been severely neglected by both international and national policy-makers and donors, the pharmaceutical industry, the media, and academia. To date, there has not been any concerted, coordinated effort to eradicate this problem in Nepal.
See more information at snakebitenepal.org
The recently awarded GG2099153 will help to reduce mortality and morbidity caused by snakebite in Nepal by promoting prevention through public awareness. It will inform that portion of the population who is most at risk to the dangers of snakebite by sharing information on awareness, prevention, and first-aid through a four-year, country-wide, multi-media campaign. In addition, since each public service announcement will carry the Rotary logo, this country-wide campaign will enhance Rotary’s public image as an organization dedicated to serving the country. This Global Grant will roll out in early 2021 and will deploy a coordinated ‘media package’ (in five local languages) that targets Nepal’s most vulnerable through radio, social media, app, posters, street theatre, web page and the like. We are happy to acknowledge our partners: The Rotary Club of Salt Lake City, RID 5420 USA, RID 3722 & RID 3510 S. Korea, RC Higashiosaka-Nishi Japan, and the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, NEPAL.
