MSF: Antivenom needed to cure snakebites in South Sudan

The World Health Organization will on Thursday launch a global plan for the prevention and control of snake bites. The ambitious strategy focuses on boosting investment in anti-venom research and providing updated medical advice for practitioners.

The plan will strengthen health systems, build a stockpile of anti-venom and get good and safe products to areas in need.

The WHO estimates that 100,000 people die of snake bites, 30,000 of these are in Africa.

In South Sudan, the Medical Charity group, Medicines sans Frontier - MSF is at the forefront of managing and treating snakebites.

MSF South Sudan Head of Mission Sayed Aleemullah Shah says the rainy season provides suitable conditions for snakes and cautions the public to take care.

Sayed Aleemullah Shah talks to Irene Lasu and Sebit William about the devastating effects of snakebites in South Sudan.