SNAKEBITE AWARENESS
-WHA-
A series of educational illustrations created for the World Health Assembly (WHA) and displayed in Geneva to raise awareness about snakebite envenoming, one of the world's most overlooked tropical health challenges. The campaign uses visual storytelling to communicate the impact of venomous snakes on vulnerable communities, particularly in Africa and India, while highlighting the importance of healthcare access, prevention, and public health education.
The World Health Assembly (WHA) is the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO). It convenes annually in Geneva, Switzerland, to set WHO policies. This year, the plan was to raise awareness about the daily threat of snakebite around the world through a series of artworks and installations displayed throughout the city of Geneva. The goal is to bring the issue of snakebite closer to home for key audiences in Geneva - including global health stakeholders, policymakers, international media, and the general public.
INDIA
In India, the Indian cobra (Naja naja) poses a major threat in rural areas, particularly to people working in agricultural fields. These regions often lack quick access to medical care, making snakebites especially dangerous. Many victims are farmworkers bitten while tending crops, often barefoot or unprotected. The cobra’s venom can cause paralysis, respiratory failure, and death if not treated in time. Its wide presence and delays in treatment contribute to a high burden of injury and mortality in vulnerable communities.
AFRICA
The puff adder (Bitis arietans) is responsible for more snakebite-related fatalities in Africa than any other snake species. It is estimated to cause thousands of deaths annually - potentially as many as 30,000. While its venom is not always lethal, it can lead to severe tissue damage, long-term disability, and other serious complications, especially when treatment is delayed or unavailable.
CONCEPTS
