Saint Lucia hosted the 3rd International Snakebite Symposium, last Thursday, an event focused on raising awareness and advancing knowledge on effective snakebite management.
The three-day symposium was dedicated to addressing the impact and treatment of snake bites with personnel from the Ministry of Health and representatives from Martinique, France, and Costa Rica.
The symposium emphasised on the Ministry of Health’s proactive approach to launching its snakebite management initiative as part of the Essential Package of Health Services under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
Participants at the event included medical professionals, farmers, forestry experts, and other stakeholders, all committed to empowering themselves with knowledge on how to coexist safely with snakes.
On Friday, UHC Communications Specialist Jade Brown provided reporters with an update about the symposium’s objectives, outlining the initiative as a critical priority of the Ministry of Health.
“Snakebite Management directly affects many Saint Lucians, and last year alone, there were over 100 reported snake bites and approximately three fatalities,” Brown stated.
“It is imperative for health authorities and the government to implement these measures and conduct these workshops so that officials-including doctors, nurses, forestry officers, farmers, and community members-are equipped with the knowledge necessary to coexist with the Fer-de-Lance, which is an endangered species in the region,” she added.
The workshop was firmly centered on the necessity of managing snake bites, aligning with the UHC portfolio to ensure effective treatment and care.
“Snakebite management is a vital component of the Essential Package of Health Services offered under Universal Health Coverage. This means that the care provided after a snake bite will come at no cost to the patient,” Brown emphasised.
She highlighted the UHC’s primary objective to assist citizens “in their time of need and to deliver essential healthcare without financial barriers while simultaneously educating communities.”
Brown confirmed that health officials will actively engage with communities, especially those in direct contact with the Fer-de-Lance, ensuring they are equipped with crucial knowledge.
Awareness and education are non-negotiable in addressing this issue, and it’s important to tackle the prevailing fear surrounding snakes.
“Many individuals lack the education and awareness necessary to understand how to coexist peacefully with these creatures,” she asserted.
The communications official affirmed the need for a cooperative relationship between people and snakes within their habitats, considering the Fer-de-Lance’s status as an endangered species.
Pius Haynes, Assistant Chief Forest Officer, stated that one of the symposium’s key objectives is to train farmers, community members, and those working in snake-infested areas to effectively manage their activities. He characterized the workshop as a Safety Symposium that will impart critical information about snakes and their behaviour, including prevention strategies for snake bites and survival techniques if a bite occurs.
Haynes pointed out recent sightings of the Fer-de-Lance in areas where they were previously absent, noting that “community members are understandably concerned and have many questions.”
He emphasised, “One of the most effective ways to support the public is through education. Knowledge is a fundamental factor in ensuring safety and harmony with our natural environment.”
The department is also focused on supplying safety equipment and guidance on handling fer-de-lances and boa constricters across the island.
[R.A]