South Africa may soon run out of antivenom.

It comes amid the backdrop of the country’s Vaccine Producers (SAVP), which is part of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), facing delays in snakebite antivenom production due to facility upgrades. These upgrades led to the depletion of anti-venom reserves.

The NHLS had initiated renovations to improve production efficiency and address issues with ageing equipment.

The NHLS has since announced the completion of these renovations and is now focused on commissioning the new facilities and equipment.

It will enable the SAVP to resume anti-venom production.