A transdisciplinary approach to snakebite envenoming

Abstract

Snakebite envenoming (SBE) is considered the most neglected of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). With over 3,700 snake species—around 650 of them venomous—snakes display great biological and cultural diversity, being both feared and revered across societies. Despite antivenoms being the main treatment for more than a century, access remains limited in rural regions of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where healthcare systems are weak and many antivenoms lack comprehensive efficacy and safety data. Since SBE was officially included in the WHO list of NTDs in 2017, global awareness has increased through initiatives like the WHO roadmaps (2019–2030 and 2021–2030), which promote interdisciplinary collaboration under the One Health approach. The Toxicon: X special issue supports this perspective, featuring international research that integrates herpetology, data science, and public health to enhance understanding of snake diversity, improve prevention strategies, and reduce the global burden of SBE.