Source: Alarm as snakebites hit 1 500 cases in 2026 -Newsday Zimbabwe
ZIMBABWE has recorded at least 1 500 snakebite cases across the country this year, raising concern over the growing burden of the neglected tropical disease in rural communities.
Health and Child Care minister Douglas Mombeshora revealed in the National Assembly last week that 1 513 cases have been recorded so far in 2026.
The figures highlight the persistent threat posed by snakebites and rabies in Zimbabwe’s rural and border areas, where human-wildlife interaction is common and access to timely medical treatment can be limited, prompting the government to intensify anti-venom distribution and vaccination programmes.
Responding to a question from Chipinge South legislator Clifford Hlatywayo on the supply of medication for snakebite and rabies in vulnerable areas, Mombeshora said several districts had recorded high numbers of cases.
“On the burden of disease, the total number of snakebite cases recorded so far in 2026 is 1 513,” Mombeshora said.
“The data clearly shows that Hurungwe district has 64 cases, Zvimba district 61 cases, Makonde 46, Buhera 43 and Bikita 39 cases.
“These are among the highest burden districts. These are the areas where we have intensified our anti-venom distribution and pre-positioning efforts.”
Mombeshora said between 2022 and October 2024, Zimbabwe recorded a cumulative 331 animal rabies cases and 17 human rabies deaths.
“The provincial distribution of animal rabies cases is as follows: Manicaland recorded 126 cases, Mashonaland East 50, Masvingo 44, Mashonaland Central 34, Mashonaland West 28, Midlands 20, Matabeleland South 13, Matabeleland North 12, Harare 4 (and) Bulawayo 0.
“These figures demonstrate that rabies is present throughout our country, with Manicaland province being the most affected,” Mombeshora said.
“The 17 human deaths represent 17 preventable tragedies and we are determined to prevent such losses going forward.”
Mombeshora said the government was seized with ensuring the availability of adequate medical supplies for snakebite and rabies, particularly in border areas and highly forested regions where the risk is higher.
Both snakebite and rabies are classified as neglected tropical diseases.
“They disproportionately affect our rural populations and the Ministry of Health and Child Care has placed them firmly on the national health agenda through the neglected tropical disease master plan for 2023 to 2027, which was launched in December 2024 and guides our comprehensive response,” he said.
Mombeshora said rabies vaccines were available at health facilities across the country to enable prompt treatment after exposure.
Facilities with available vials include Ndanga (254), Marondera (55), Zaka (51), Murambinda (48), Gwanda (42), Filabusi (27) and Gokwe South (19).
Other facilities with stocks include Morgenster in Masvingo (20), St Michaels in Mhondoro (28), Nhowe Mission (15), Victoria Falls Hospital (10), Nyanga Hospital (10), Chipinge (10), Mutoko (10) and Gweru (10).
“Regarding anti-venom, the product which we call PANAF 38 is readily available at all NatPharm regional branches, unlike many other commodities,” he said.
“PANAF 38 does not require refrigeration and is kept at room temperature, which facilitates easier storage and distribution.”
Current anti-venom stocks include Mutare (795), Masvingo (583), Chinhoyi (653), Bulawayo (873), Gweru (547) and Harare (2 028).
“Facilities in high-risk areas can order and receive medicines promptly. These products are not manufactured locally and, therefore, require importation and stocking up,” Mombeshora said.
Zimbabwe has committed to the global goal of eliminating dog-mediated human rabies by 2030, he added.
The post Alarm as snakebites hit 1 500 cases in 2026 appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.