Venomous snakebites disproportionally affect the poorest and most isolated communities in rural areas of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where access to anti-venom and healthcare is scarce. The lack of interest from wealthy countries and donors stems from that snakebites do not pose a health security threat to them, as there’s no risk of cross-border contamination. Additionally, snakebite is not a disease that can be eradicated, which makes it less attractive to funders who seek measurable outcomes. The high cost of producing anti-venom and the low profitability in impoverished markets further deters pharmaceutical companies from investing in solutions. Low-income communities have to cope with snakebites without adequate protective measures or health support, highlighting a broader pattern of global health priorities that often exclude those most vulnerable.
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