By Matik Kueth
A surge in snakebite cases in the Ruweng Administrative Area (RAA) has alarmed health authorities, with 52 reported cases in July and the first week of August 2025.
Elizabeth Achol, RAA’s Health Minister, told King Media on Monday that the ongoing increase in cases, mainly due to seasonal flooding, highlights that among the patients are children under the age of 5.
She said the ministry must initiate a multi-level awareness campaign aimed at preventing fatalities and educating vulnerable rural communities.
“Snake bite is very common here in the rural administrative area, especially in Greater Parieng and Abiemnom County. Therefore, so far, since July, we have registered a total number of 25 snake bites, and this month (August) alone, out of 25, we have 14. We have 14 cases in which we have under five children, two are females, and five are males. We have ten cases, and also females, we have 13 cases in Parieng town,” Achol said.
The majority of cases have emerged in Parieng town, where 23 people, 10 males and 13 females, have been treated for snake bites.
While no official deaths have been confirmed at local health facilities, Achol noted that a suspected fatality involving a 7-year-old child has heightened concern among officials, urging the public to seek urgent medical help in the event of a snakebite.
“If there is a suspected case of snake bite, they should take the patient immediately to the nearest health facility,” she emphasized.
According to her, the RAA government is working swiftly to procure critical medical supplies.
“Very soon, His Excellency Stephano Wieu is on the process now to purchase more antivenom for the snake and for the dogs, plus anti-malaria and other basic drugs for the people,” she revealed.
The procurement plan has already been approved at the Council of Ministers level, signaling robust political support for the initiative.
As snakebite cases continue to rise, especially in remote and flood-affected areas, the RAA Health Ministry is racing against time to ensure rural communities are informed, equipped, and prepared to respond swiftly to potential threats.