MetLife Nepal ssteps up to combat snakebite risks in Rural Areas

KATHMANDU: MetLife Nepal has partnered with the Kankai Sahara Snakebite Treatment Center in Jhapa under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to address the growing risk of snakebites in the region.

Rising temperatures, coupled with the agricultural lifestyle of the district, have increased the vulnerability of communities, particularly in rural areas.

Snakebite is a significant public health issue in Nepal, claiming hundreds of lives every year specially in districts like Jhapa among the most affected.

Limited awareness, lack of timely medical response, and insufficient treatment facilities often lead to preventable fatalities and long-term health complications. These figures highlight the urgent need for both preventive education and improved access to treatment in vulnerable communities.

The program aims to enhance community knowledge about snakebite prevention and immediate response, provide rural communities in the central part of Jhapa with easier access to treatment facilities, and ultimately reduce the number of snakebite-related deaths.

By supporting the Center’s efforts, MetLife Nepal will contribute to awareness campaigns, promote preventive measures, and strengthen access to timely and lifesaving treatment.

“Snakebite remains a serious yet often overlooked public health concern in rural Nepal. By working with the Kankai Sahara Snakebite Treatment Center, we are committed to ensuring that communities not only have the knowledge to prevent snakebites but also the access to critical care when it matters most. This is part of our broader mission to create a safer, healthier future for all Nepalis,” said Nirmal Kajee Shrestha, General Manager of MetLife Nepal.