I feel very honoured and excited to be participating in the Eswatini Snakebite Symposium on the 28th February and 1st March 2025. The symposium is a gathering of all the top envenomation medical professionals and subject matter experts, all coming together to tackle the challenge of snakebite in Eswatini. 

This season has seen a dramatic increase in the number of scorpion stings across Southern Africa. Coupled with a shortage of SAVP Scorpion Antivenom, the prognosis of a sting from a high risk species of scorpion, has not been good for many patients. Spider bites continue to feature in National Poison Information Helpline calls.

My contribution will be in reducing the burden of spider bites, scorpion stings and centipede bites in Eswatini and beyond. 

• Presentation - Spider bites, scorpion stings and centipede bites in Eswatini and beyond.
• Panel Member - Contributing to panel discussion in my area of expertise. 
• Breakout Session - Hosting a breakout session during the symposium. 

If you are a medical professional or just want to deepen your understanding of these creatures, then this is a fantastic opportunity that you simply cannot miss. It’s a unique gathering of all the top snakebite, spider bite and scorpion sting specialists in Southern Africa, all coming together to address the challenges and management of bites and stings. You'll hear about the latest research, new methods of threatment, new publications and more. 

There will be presentations on a variety of subjects to do with envenomation and medical treatment. There will practical demonstration, panel discussions, but more importantly, it’s an opportunity to ask those questions that you have always wanted to ask.

After the symposium, I'll be making available online resources that further educate those who cannot attend the symposium, and also support efforts in Eswatini and other African countries.  A link to these resources will be posted to the Eswatini Antivenom foundations website and social media groups.