SA boosts antivenom supply for snake-bite victims
The National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) confirmed that South Africa has resumed antivenom production.
After months of critical shortages, the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) has resumed antivenom production in South Africa, providing relief to hospitals and emergency services nationwide.
Earlier this year, the country’s only antivenom manufacturing facility paused production for infrastructure upgrades, triggering a nationwide alert in March 2025 as lifesaving supplies dropped to dangerously low levels.
With production now back online, NHLS announced the release of the first batch of 536 units of polyvalent antivenom.
“This marks an important step in restoring the local supply for lifesaving antivenom, critical for the treatment of snake, spider, and scorpion envenomation,” said NHLS spokesperson Mzi Gcukumana.
Rollout Timeline Announced
Gcukumana confirmed that the supply pipeline will gradually stabilise over the coming months, with specific release dates already set:
- Polyvalent antivenom – Early November 2025
- Scorpion antivenom – Early November 2025
- Spider antivenom – End of November 2025
- Boomslang antivenom – End of November 2025
The polyvalent antivenom is particularly vital, as it treats bites from several of South Africa’s most venomous snakes, including cobras, mambas, and puff adders.
Critical for Rural and High-Risk Areas
Medical professionals and rural healthcare workers have welcomed the news. In high-risk areas—particularly the Northern Cape, Limpopo, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal—snake and scorpion bites occur frequently, and delayed access to antivenom can be deadly.
Earlier this year, the shortage forced some provinces to import antivenom in emergencies and compelled certain facilities to ration doses or transfer patients to distant hospitals.
“Having local production back means faster access, lower costs, and potentially, saved lives,” said one senior emergency doctor in Mpumalanga.
Hope for Full Recovery by Year-End
The NHLS says it is coordinating closely with provincial health departments to distribute the newly available antivenoms fairly, prioritizing clinics and hospitals in snakebite-prone areas.
Healthcare facilities should update their inventories and prepare for resupply according to the November release schedule.