Over 1 500 snakebite cases recorded in 2026, Govt assures ample antivenom stock

The government has reported that 1 513 snakebite cases have been recorded so far in 2026, while assuring that adequate stocks of anti-venom are available at health facilities across the country. This was revealed by Health and Child Care Minister, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, in response to a question from Chipinge South Member of Parliament Clifford Hlatywayo. The MP had asked about plans to provide sufficient medical supplies for snake bites and rabies in vulnerable areas along the border and highly forested regions, citing areas such as Mahenye and Chisuma in Chipinge South, as well as Chirinda and Muzite in Chipinge East.

In his response, Minister Mombeshora said the government is fully seized with the matter of providing adequate medical supplies for snake bites and rabies, particularly in border areas and forested regions where these health threats are most acute. “On the burden of disease, the total number of snake bite cases recorded so far in 2026 is 1 513 cases. The data clearly shows that Hurungwe District has 64 cases, Zvimba District 61 cases, Makonde 46, Buhera 43 and Bikita District 39 cases,” he said.

“These are among the highest burden districts. These are the areas where we have intensified our anti-venom distribution and pre-positioning efforts.” Dr Mombeshora explained both snake bites and rabies are classified as neglected tropical diseases and are now prioritised under the Zimbabwe Neglected Tropical Diseases Master Plan 2023–2027, which was launched in December 2024. “In the current stock situation, I wish to update this august House on the actual stock levels of rabies vaccine and snake anti-venom at our health facilities.

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Contrary to any perceptions of shortage, the Ministry of Health and Child Care has taken deliberate efforts to stock both products, particularly in facilities in high-incidence areas. This targeted approach ensures that communities in high-incidence areas are protected,” said Dr Mombeshora. Regarding the rabies vaccine, the Minister said facilities in endemic areas hold stocks, enabling prompt intervention when a patient reports to a facility.

“A treatment must be initiated as soon as possible after exposure to be effective,” he noted. According to the minister, large stocks of anti-venom are currently available across the country. “Ndanga has 254 vials, Marondera 55, Zaka 51, Murambinda 48, Gwanda 42, Filabusi 27, Gokwe South 19, Masvingo at Morgenster 20, St. Michaels in Mhondoro 28, Nhowe Mission 15, Victoria Falls Hospital 10, Nyanga Hospital 10, Chipinge 10, Mutoko 10 and Gweru 10,” Dr Mombeshora said.

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