In a groundbreaking collaboration between leading scientists from Africa and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), the African Snakebite Alliance (ASA) has been unveiled. This pioneering initiative aims to revolutionize the fight against snakebite envenoming, focusing on research, policy development, and capacity-building efforts across Africa.
The formation of ASA marks a significant milestone in addressing the urgent public health threat posed by snakebites in Africa. With objectives centred on conducting high-quality research, supporting evidence-based decision-making, and fostering sustainable capacity for snakebite research, the alliance is poised to make a tangible difference in improving health outcomes for affected communities.
Dr John Amuasi, the principal investigator for ASA in Ghana, highlighted the critical role of the alliance in achieving the World Health Organization's target of halving snakebite deaths and disabilities worldwide by 2030. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts in informing policies and practices to combat snakebite envenoming effectively.
Despite being classified as a neglected tropical disease by the WHO, snakebite envenoming remains a significant yet overlooked public health issue. With funding from the Wellcome Trust, ASA brings together a consortium of institutions, including LSTM, Kenya Institute of Primate Research, the University of Global Health Equity, and others, to address this gap.
ASA Director, Professor Ymkje Stienstra, emphasized the alliance's commitment to translating research findings into actionable strategies for prevention and mitigation. The launch of ASA heralds a new era in the fight against snakebite envenoming, with coordinated efforts aimed at making real-world impacts.
Dr. George Omondi, ASA Deputy Director, expressed optimism about the alliance's potential to drive impactful research and policy initiatives, echoing sentiments shared by Leslie Mawuli Aglanu, a research fellow at KCCR. Through collaborative endeavours, ASA aims to significantly reduce the burden of snakebite envenoming, fostering transformative change across Africa.
In addition to research, ASA will promote open grants and opportunities for postdoctoral researchers, further advancing its mission to combat snakebite envenoming effectively on the African continent.
Article by RB Correspodent
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