Innovative Research Initiative Launched to Combat Snakebite Envenoming in India

The Indian Council of Medical Research has launched a significant four-year research project to combat snakebite envenoming in India, with a budget of Rs 13.5 crore. This initiative aims to create a national model for prevention and management, focusing on community empowerment and effective treatment strategies across seven states. The project will analyze successful local models and implement strategies to ensure timely medical intervention for victims. With an estimated 58,000 snakebite-related deaths annually in India, this collaborative effort seeks to significantly reduce mortality and improve awareness among stakeholders. The research is set to begin in January 2026, promising a comprehensive approach to a pressing public health issue.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 20, 2025, 11:53 IST

Groundbreaking Project to Address Snakebite Issues

Demow, Dec 20: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved a pioneering four-year research initiative valued at Rs 13.5 crore aimed at addressing the public health crisis of snakebite envenoming (SBE) in India.

This initiative, named ‘Zero Snakebite Death Initiative: Community Empowerment & Engagement for Mitigation of Snakebite Envenoming,’ seeks to create a cohesive, replicable national framework for the prevention and management of snakebite incidents. The research will be conducted across seven states: Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand, with Dr. Jaideep Menon from Amrita Institute, Kerala, leading the project as the principal investigator.

In a notable acknowledgment of local healthcare achievements, the ‘Demow Model’ from Sivasagar district has been chosen as a key successful model for scientific evaluation and potential expansion across the involved states.

The project will examine and incorporate effective regional strategies, such as community education, volunteer involvement, and referral networks based on the ‘Demow Model’; distribution of protective gear to high-risk groups as per the ‘Maharashtra Model’; pre-hospital administration of anti-snake venom (ASV) during transport following the ‘Himachal Pradesh Model’; and utilizing digital platforms for coordination and real-time monitoring as per the ‘Kerala Model.’

Conducted under the SARPA (Snakebite Awareness, Response, Prevention & Action) initiative, this comprehensive approach aims to connect affected communities with the formal healthcare system, ensuring that victims receive critical treatment within the vital ‘golden hour.’ In Assam, the focus will be on the Demow and Gelekey blocks of Sivasagar district, with Dr. Surajit Giri from Demow Hospital appointed as the investigator for the state.

The research and community engagement activities are set to commence in January 2026. ICMR has already designated resources, including one research scientist and four technical staff members for each participating state, to facilitate effective implementation and data gathering.

This collaborative multi-state project aspires to produce robust evidence for implementation to decrease snakebite-related mortality and morbidity, addressing India's significant burden of SBE, which is estimated to cause around 58,000 deaths each year.

Additional goals include evaluating shifts in awareness among various stakeholders—from community volunteers to medical professionals—and creating a real-time digital dashboard for snakebite data surveillance, as stated by Dr. Giri in a press release.