Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2025
07:40
Field Postmortem Rabies Rapid Immunochromatographic Diagnostic Test for Resource-Limited Settings with Further Molecular Applications
Published on: June 29, 2020
13.3K
Community-based snakebite risk mapping for resource prioritisation in Eastern Province, Rwanda
Dileepa Senajith Ediriweera1,2, Dieudonne Hakizimana3,4, Peter J Diggle2,5
1Health Data Science Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama 11010, Sri Lanka.
Summary
Snakebite risk varies significantly in Rwanda's Eastern Province, with the highest incidence concentrated in the southwest. This mapping helps prioritize resources for snakebite prevention and treatment in high-risk areas.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Spatial Analysis
Background:
- Snakebite envenoming is a critical medical emergency, particularly in resource-limited settings.
- Accurate snakebite incidence mapping is vital for evidence-based policymaking and resource allocation.
- This study focused on characterizing spatial variations in snakebite risk within Rwanda's Eastern Province.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map snakebite risk across Eastern Province, Rwanda.
- To identify specific geographic areas with high and low snakebite incidence.
- To inform targeted interventions and resource prioritization for snakebite management.
Main Methods:
- Conducted snakebite surveillance in 2020 through household visits and case verification across six districts.
- Utilized geostatistical modeling and predictive mapping techniques.
- Developed sector-level and district-level risk maps based on data from 617 villages.
Main Results:
- Documented 1217 snakebite cases across six districts.
- Estimated an overall population-weighted snakebite incidence of 440 per 100,000 people annually.
- Identified Gashanda and Jarama sectors in the southwest with incidence rates exceeding 1500 per 100,000, while the north showed the lowest rates.
Conclusions:
- Significant spatial heterogeneity in snakebite risk exists within Eastern Province.
- The southwestern sectors (Gashanda and Jarama) exhibit the highest snakebite risk.
- Recommendations include prioritizing snakebite prevention, essential medicines, and healthcare worker training in high-risk southwestern regions.
