Snakebites and Scorpion Stings Envenoming in Sudan: Biological and Epidemiological Insights

Abstract

Snakebite and scorpion-sting envenoming are important but neglected public health problems in Sudan, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. The presentation highlights Sudan’s diverse medically important snake and scorpion species and describes the range of clinical effects, including neurotoxicity, haemorrhage, tissue necrosis, cardiovascular complications, and potentially fatal systemic disease. Farmers, herders, adults, males, and children in some regions bear a substantial burden, with significant mortality reported among severe cases. Major challenges include underreporting, limited epidemiological and venom-composition data, inadequate geographic mapping, limited clinician training, poor infrastructure, supply-chain and cold-chain weaknesses, cost barriers, and potential mismatches between available antivenoms and local venom profiles. Addressing these challenges requires a One Health approach combining improved surveillance, research into venom variation, appropriate antivenom access, clinical training, effective referral and emergency-care systems, public awareness, policy development, and collaboration.