I’ve just watched a disturbing report on NTV from Tana River.
And I am deeply shaken tonight.
A pregnant woman was bitten by a snake, believed to be a cobra or black mamba. (image of the snake below)
She was moved from hospital to hospital, where she was turned away due to a lack of antivenom
She finally reached Hola Referral(the largest government hospital in the county), and there, too, was no anti-venom.
Both she and the unborn child passed away.
And you see some people shout TUTAM & push hashtags here on X.
In present-day Kenya, no govt hospital should lack a basic life-saving drug.
No pregnant woman should die from a snake bite.
No one should die from snake bites
While government officials push hashtags about "fixing healthcare," the reality in our counties tells a different story.
This pain is unnecessary.
This loss was preventable.
Kenya deserves better.
I was reading how Aliko Dangote is about to monopolize the oil industry in Nigeria. He bought 570,000 tankers which will transport oil to any part of the country. Meaning he has mines, refines and eventually transports to the retailer. Incredible.
The Puff Adder is well-camouflaged and widespread in East Africa, which makes it responsible for the most snakebite deaths. Its venom is dangerous but not among the top three most potent. For emergencies or anti-venom assistance, contact Watamu Snake Farm at 0723 386558.