Snakebite envenoming is a WHO-recognized neglected tropical disease with high mortality and morbidity in tropical regions, including the Philippines. Despite its severity, it remains marginal in national health priorities due to limited surveillance, scarce research, and systemic barriers to timely care.
To present the need for urgent improvements in snakebite surveillance, access to effective treatment, and health system readiness in the Philippines.
Globally, snakebite causes 81,000–138,000 deaths and leaves over 400,000 survivors with permanent disabilities annually. In ASEAN, an estimated 242,600 bites result in ~ 15,900 deaths, ~ 950 amputations, 392,000 DALYs lost, and > US $2.5 billion in annual economic costs. In the Philippines, the true burden is likely underestimated due to underreporting of cases in rural and island communities and reliance on traditional healers. The country’s diverse venomous snake fauna, particularly Naja philippinensis and Naja samarensis, complicates treatment, as the Philippine Cobra Antivenom (PCAV) is only partially effective against the latter. Geographic and infrastructural constraints further delay treatment, contributing to preventable deaths and long-term disabilities. Limited clinical studies highlight the need for broader research to inform evidence-based guidelines. Addressing this requires establishing a national surveillance and registry system, expanding venom research for species-appropriate antivenoms, improving supply chains and referral systems, training rural health workers, and developing culturally tailored education strategies.
Snakebite envenoming in the Philippines is an underrecognized rural health crisis with significant health and economic impacts. A coordinated, data-driven national response is essential to reduce its burden and break the cycle of neglect.
De los Santos, J.A.A., M. Cardaño, C. The urgent need for snakebite surveillance access and treatment in the Philippines. Discov Public Health 23, 170 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-026-01490-4