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Empower Community Ambassadors to Prevent Snakebite Deaths in Ganjam, Odisha

Led By Professor Nibedita Ray-Bennett, Institute for Environmental Futures

Vital research into the causes and circumstances of avoidable snakebite deaths is being led by Professor Nibedita Ray-Bennett at the University of Leicester, working with high-risk groups to find context-specific solutions to reduce avoidable snakebite deaths. 

In September 2023, Professor Ray-Bennett, in collaboration with Orissa State Volunteers Social Workers Association (OSVSWA), launched the Case Station for Avoidable Snakebite Deaths (CaSA) in Burujhari, Ganjam. She is trialling a Local-Level Action Network (LAN) with community ambassadors from high-risk groups like women, school children, farmers, and herders. 

By April 2024, 35 LAN Ambassadors from 13 villages in Kodala Block have joined. The goal is to expand LAN to all 22 Blocks of Ganjam District by 2026, empowering communities to prevent snakebites and deaths (outreach >3,000 villages of 3.5 million population). 

LAN Ambassadors are trained in snakebite prevention through training and using evidence-based Information Education Communication (IEC) and Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) materials, which they share with villagers through home visits and community meetings. They identify local issues needing expert solutions and meet monthly, with these meetings monitored by field coordinators.