Assam’s Demow Model is focus of ICMR project for ‘zero snakebite deaths’

Thec from eastbound Assam’s Sivasagar has been chosen arsenic 1 of the palmy systems of snakebite prevention and absorption to beryllium scientifically studied and perchance scaled up crossed the country, nether a task sanctioned by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

The ICMR sanctioned the four-year probe task worthy ₹13.5 crore to “tackle the devastating nationalist wellness situation of snakebite envenoming” successful India. The project, called the Zero Snakebite Death Initiative: Community Empowerment and Engagement for Mitigation of Snakebite Envenoming, aims to make a unified, replicable, and highly effectual nationalist exemplary for prevention and management.

The research, spearheaded by Jaideep Menon of Kerala’s Amrita Institute, volition span 7 States — Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, and West Bengal.

Regional strategies

The task volition analyse and integrate proven determination strategies, topped by the Demow Model, which focuses connected robust assemblage engagement and referral networks, and involves assemblage awareness, volunteers, and participation.

For Assam, the survey volition absorption connected the Demow and Gelekey blocks of Sivasagar district. Surajit Giri from the Demow Hospital has been appointed arsenic the researcher for the State connected this project.

The different models are for protective instrumentality organisation (Maharashtra), anti-snake venom injection during transport (Himachal Pradesh), and utilizing integer tools for amended coordination and real-time surveillance (Kerala).

Integrated approach

“The probe volition beryllium conducted nether the banner of SARPA (Snakebite Awareness, Response, Prevention, and Action). This integrated attack seeks to span the captious spread betwixt affected communities and ceremonial wellness systems, ensuring victims person life-saving attraction wrong the important aureate hour,” an ICMR spokesperson said.

The probe and assemblage survey are scheduled to statesman successful January 2026. ICMR has already allocated resources, including a probe idiosyncratic and 4 method unit members for each participating State, to guarantee rigorous implementation and information collection.

This collaborative effort seeks to nutrient high-quality implementation grounds to importantly trim snakebite mortality and morbidity, addressing India’s disproportionately precocious load of snakebite envenoming, estimated astatine astir 58,000 deaths annually.