Solution for the Neglected Problem of Snake Bite Envenoming in Sri Lanka

The snake bites are in the Sri Lankan population at risk; however, there should be targeted programs to educate people on these aspects. Studying the awareness and perceptions related to such issues of risk groups is important in designing community based interventional programs on snakebite towards combating the global burden of snakebite. Such information is lacking on the farming community of Sri Lanka. Therefore this mini review will highlight the importance of the snake bites awareness in Sri Lanka. Snake bites are well known medical emergencies in many parts of the world, especially in rural areas. Agricultural works and children are the most effected victims on snake bites in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is considered as a country with highest morbidity rates of snakebites in the whole world. It is highest in North Central Province, compared to any other areas in Sri Lanka, due to large faming community. However, the true scale of mortality and acute and chronic morbidity from snake-bite remains uncertain because of inadequate reporting in almost every part of the region. The incidence of snake bite mortality is particular high in this country and according to national statistics; the annual snake bite incidence in Sri Lanka ranges 35000-40000 during past 10 years.