There’s good news from SA’s National Health Laboratory Service. Antivenom production in South Africa has officially resumed.
South Africa (12 November 2025) – After a serious halt in production, the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) has confirmed that its subsidiary, South African Vaccine Producers, is once again producing lifesaving antivenom.
The news comes after construction work at the facility brought operations to a halt almost a year ago.
The first batch, containing 536 units of polyvalent antivenom, was released in September. According to the NHLS, new batches are in production, which means that supply will gradually improve in the coming months.
It brings great relief in SA, as we’re one of only a handful of countries on the continent capable of producing snake, spider and scorpion antivenoms locally. During the pause in production, facilities faced severe shortages and this put lives at risk and an increased dependence on costly imported stock.
Antivenom is the only effective treatment for potentially deadly bites and stings from venomous snakes and scorpions. Having reliable, homegrown production gives us faster access to treatment.
The NHLS says several products are expected to roll out in the coming weeks, including polyvalent antivenom as well as scorpion, spider and boomslang antivenom.
“The production of antivenom is a complex and time-intensive process that requires extensive in-process inspections to ensure the safety, quality, and effectiveness of every vial produced,” the NHLS explains.
A snakebite can turn into an emergency in seconds. A small percentage of snakebite victims actually require treatment with antivenom, but not receiving it could be fatal.
If ever you are caught in an emergency involving a venomous bite or sting, dial 10177 or visit the nearest healthcare facility right away.
Sources: Linked above
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