With snake season well underway in the Cape, the healthcare sector can breathe a huge sigh of relief as South Africa finally has its first new supply of locally produced antivenom following more than a year of dangerously low stock levels, reports Cape {town} Etc.
According to CapeNature, ‘antivenom stocks have been critically low for over a year, as the South African Vaccine Producers have been unable to manufacture any doses’.
The shortage stretched from mid-2024 into this year, leaving medical teams under pressure during peak snakebite seasons.
Production, however, is officially back online.
In a statement, the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) announced ‘the successful resumption of antivenom production at its newly renovated manufacturing facility’, with the first batch of 536 units of polyvalent antivenom already released.
The NHLS added that ‘new batches are already in production, ensuring that supply will gradually improve in the coming months’. Expected rollout timelines include:
- Polyvalent Antivenom: Early November 2025
- Scorpion Antivenom: Early November 2025
- Spider Antivenom: End of November 2025
- Boomslang Antivenom: End of November 2025
‘The production of antivenom is a complex and time-intensive process that requires extensive in-process inspections to ensure the safety, quality and effectiveness of every vial produced,’ the NHLS emphasised.
Contextually, the African Snakebite Institute (ASI) states that South Africa records an estimated 4 000 snakebites a year, with around 900 hospitalisations.
While only a small percentage of snakebite victims require treatment with antivenom, not receiving it when needed could be fatal – making the resumption of production a critical step in restoring lifesaving treatment.
The prolonged shortage was reportedly linked to electricity supply challenges and facility upgrades at the South African Vaccine Producers (SAVP), South Africa’s only antivenom production centre.
CapeNature added that the NHLS is working closely with provincial health departments to ensure equitable distribution of the newly available antivenoms, especially to clinics and hospitals in snakebite-prone areas.
For emergencies involving venomous bites or stings, dial 10177 or visit your nearest healthcare facility immediately.
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Picture: CapeNature / Facebook
