Snakes Bites: a deadly threat in Hajjah governate, Yemen

In Abs district, Hajjah governorate, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is witnessing a rising number of snakebite cases – a neglected tropical disease from which many people continue to suffer or die from this silent but deadly threat. Despite the growing scale of the problem, access to effective and affordable treatment remains severely limited, leaving vulnerable communities at high risk.

Snakebites occur predominantly in rural and agricultural areas, with risk peaking during the harvest season when families spend extended hours working outdoors. Many people, including women, work barefoot or with minimal protective clothing, which increases the likelihood of hazardous encounters with snakes. At night, sleeping on the ground – often due to heat or inadequate housing – further exposes communities to snakebites, making them especially vulnerable both during work and while resting.

“Snakebites are dangerous mainly because some snakes inject venom, which can harm the body in serious ways. Snake venom can damage nerves, blood, muscles, or organs, leading to problems like breathing difficulty, uncontrolled bleeding, or severe swelling. Even when a bite is not venomous, it can still cause infection or allergic reactions.”

Abdul Aziz — MSF Medical Coordinator in Yemen

At MSF-supported Abs Hospital, many patients arrive after travelling long distances from remote villages, often in severe condition. MSF provides free treatment to those affected. In 2025 alone, MSF treated 671 cases of snakebites – a sharp 103% increase compared to 2024. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, MSF teams witnessed 137 snakebite cases in northern Yemen.

“Snakebite survivors may face serious physical injuries requiring surgery, including loss of tissue or limbs, as well as often-overlooked mental health effects such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.”

Abdul Aziz — MSF Medical Coordinator in Yemen

A health system near collapse

In Yemen, the danger of snakebite is far greater due to the near-collapse of the healthcare system after years of conflict. Many hospitals and clinics lack antivenom, trained staff, electricity, and basic medical supplies. Large parts of the population live in rural or desert areas where venomous snakes are common, and reaching medical care can take hours or even days. Ongoing insecurity, damaged roads, and checkpoints further delay treatment, turning survivable bites into fatal ones.

Poverty and lack of awareness make the situation even worse. Many families cannot afford antivenom or transportation to hospitals and may rely on traditional treatments that waste critical time. As a result, snakebite in Yemen is not just a health issue but a humanitarian crisis – one where people die not because treatment does not exist, but because it is largely out of reach.

Treatment out of reach

Although antivenom can be found in some private pharmacies and health facilities, its high cost puts it out of reach for most families in Abs and the surrounding areas. Treatment is further complicated by the fact that different types of antivenom are required for different snake species, making timely and effective care both more complex and more expensive. As a result, many people bitten by venomous snakes experience delays or are unable to access the lifesaving treatment they need, leading to preventable deaths or long-term disabilities.

MSF calls on humanitarian organisations for immediate action to ensure that antivenom is both available and affordable for those at risk. Strengthening supply chains, increasing stocks in rural health facilities, and raising awareness about the importance of timely treatment can save countless lives. Without urgent measures, families in Abs and people in the surrounding areas will remain at risk of needless pain and fatalities from snakebites.

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