National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE)

The GS 3 Syllabus is focussed on the following subjects::

• Technology
• Economic Development
• Biodiversity
• Environment

Why in News

• Launched by Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra.
• Aims to halve snakebite deaths by 2030 through a ‘One Health’ approach.
• Addresses all aspects – human health, wildlife, and animal health.

Background:

• Snakebite envenoming is a neglected public health issue in India.
• Around 50,000 deaths occur annually due to snakebites (highest globally).
• Lack of awareness, antivenom availability, and trained personnel are major concerns.

Vision and Mission of NAPSE:

• Vision: Prevent and control snakebite envenoming, halving deaths and disabilities by 2030.
• Mission: Progressively reduce morbidity, mortality, and complications from snakebites.

Key Features of NAPSE:

• Provides a framework for states to develop their own action plans.
• Focuses on sustained availability of antivenom, capacity building, referral systems, and public education.
• Identifies key stakeholders (Ministries, NGOs) for implementation and collaboration.

Strategic Interventions:

• Human Health: Ensure antivenom availability, strengthen surveillance, improve emergency care services, establish regional venom centers.
• Wildlife Health: Raise awareness, distribute antivenom, strengthen stakeholder capacity, conduct research and monitoring, collect snake venom, and relocate snakes.
• Animal and Agriculture: Implement measures to prevent snakebites in livestock, promote community engagement.

Action Plan Development:

• States to develop their own action plans based on NAPSE framework.
• State and District Nodal Officers (SNO & DNO) to be appointed for coordination.
• Activities aligned with existing National Health Mission programs.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Joint monitoring mechanisms with specific indicators for each component.
• Independent monitoring by stakeholders and external evaluation of state action plans.
• Phase-wise activity matrix and roadmap provided for state action plans.

Conclusion:

• NAPSE represents a comprehensive strategy to address snakebite envenoming in India. Collaborative efforts across various sectors are crucial for achieving its ambitious goals.