Uniting behind a common goal: Collaboration between traditional healers and allopathic health care workers to improve rural snakebite care

Steinhorst, Jonathan; Tianyi, Frank-Leonel; Habib, Abdulrazaq G.; Oluoch, George O.; Lalloo, David G.; Stienstra, Ymkje

doi:10.1016/j.toxcx.2022.100140

Cited by 9 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 50 publications

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“…Therefore, there is not uniformity in their perspectives on the relationship with medical institutions. Similar findings were reported in a synthesized review aimed at enhancing snakebite care in rural settings [ 60 ]. The treatment of snakebites in health facilities was recommended by some THs, while others expressed doubts about the efficacy of such treatment.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

Experiences and practices of traditional healers on snakebite treatment and prevention in rural Malawi

Aron,

Mulwafu,

Mailosi

et al. 2023

PLoS Negl Trop Dis

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Snakebite envenoming remains a public health threat in many tropical countries including Malawi. Traditional healers (THs) have been consulted by victims of snakebites as primary caregivers for millennia. There are no studies in Malawi to understand this phenomenon, therefore, our study aimed to explore the experiences and practices of THs regarding snakebite treatment and prevention in rural Malawi. Between August and September 2022, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 THs who were purposefully selected from various locations across Neno District, Malawi. We analysed the interview data using Dedoose software, where we generated codes and grouped them into themes. Out of the 16 THs interviewed, 68.8% (n = 11) were male, and 43.8% were aged between 40 and 60 years. Our study identified five themes: THs’ knowledge of snakes and treatment, the continuum of care they provide, payment procedures, snakebite prevention, and their relationship with health facilities. They claimed a good understanding of the snakes in their area, including the seasons with more snakebites, and were confident in their ability to provide treatment, however, this was not scientifically proven. They offered a comprehensive care package, including diagnosis, first aid, main treatment, and follow-up care to monitor the victim’s condition and adjust treatment as needed. THs provide free treatment for snakebites or use a “pay later” model of service delivery. All THs claimed a “vaccine” for snakebites that could prevent bites or neutralize the venom. However, no formal relationship existed between THs and Health Care Workers (HCWs). We recommend collaboration between HCWs and THs, establishing clear referral pathways for snakebite victims and educating THs on identifying danger signs requiring prompt referral to healthcare facilities.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

Experiences and practices of traditional healers on snakebite treatment and prevention in rural Malawi

Aron,

Mulwafu,

Mailosi

et al. 2023

PLoS Negl Trop Dis

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“…Previous research conducted in Ghana highlighted a willingness among traditional practitioners to receive training and engage in collaborative efforts in managing snakebite cases [ 7 ]. Some earlier studies have already confirmed the effectiveness of combining traditional healers into the snake bite cases [ 8 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Optimizing survival in Russell’s viper bite cases in low-resource setting: two case reports

Sharif,

Amin,

Barshan

et al. 2024

J Med Case Reports

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Introduction Snakebite envenomation poses a significant health risk, particularly in low-resource settings where access to proper treatment is limited. Case presentation This study reports two cases of Russell's viper bites in rural Bangladesh, involving 48 and 35-year-old Bangladesh males, respectively, and highlights the difficulties in providing adequate medical care and in treating any complications that may arise. Both cases involved delayed access to healthcare, initial visit to traditional healers, and the development of severe complications such as coagulopathy, renal failure. After the intervention both cases survived which is scarce in low resource settings. Conclusion The cases underscore the importance of early recognition, appropriate management, and improved healthcare infrastructure to optimize survival outcomes in snakebite cases in resource-limited settings. These cases will contribute valuable insights to the field of snakebite management and provide guidance for improving survival rates and outcomes among snakebite victims in Bangladesh.

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“…Thus, well-designed community-based studies of sufficient sample size are urgently needed to accurately determine the true burden of disease [ 10 ]. In addition, further studies to examine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of traditional healers and their collaboration with other medical facilities are needed to understand healthcare-seeking behaviour and improve referral pathways [ 15 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the Incidence of Snakebites in Rural Gabon—A Community-Based, Cross-Sectional Pilot Survey

Davi,

Lumeka,

Hildebrandt

et al. 2024

TropicalMed

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Snakebite envenoming (SBE) is a neglected tropical disease (NTD). Community-based studies from sub-Saharan Africa are urgently required as data on the incidence are scarce. This study aimed to determine the lifetime prevalence of snakebites in rural Gabon by preparing the conduct of a larger regional survey. A cross-sectional community-based epidemiological survey in Sindara, Ngounie province, was conducted. Households were interviewed about the history of snakebites of household members to calculate lifetime prevalence. In addition, the average annual incidence rate per 100,000 over the last 5 years was calculated. A total of 771 inhabitants were enrolled, of which 5 (0.65%; 95% confidence interval (95% CI: 0.2–1.5%)) were victims of snakebites. Over the past 5 years, annual incidence was 77 bites per 100,000 (95% CI: 0–620). This study provides a first rough estimate of the incidence of SBE from rural central Gabon, demonstrating the importance of this NTD. Key Contribution: The estimated annual incidence of snakebites found was 77 per 100,000. Snakebites occurred mainly during agricultural activities.

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Uniting behind a common goal: Collaboration between traditional healers and allopathic health care workers to improve rural snakebite care

Cited by 9 publications

References 50 publications

Experiences and practices of traditional healers on snakebite treatment and prevention in rural Malawi

Experiences and practices of traditional healers on snakebite treatment and prevention in rural Malawi

Optimizing survival in Russell’s viper bite cases in low-resource setting: two case reports

Assessing the Incidence of Snakebites in Rural Gabon—A Community-Based, Cross-Sectional Pilot Survey

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