Dr Peh Chen Au, a clinical senior lecturer at the University of Adelaide’s School of Medicine, said snakebites were a major issue in Myanmar, mainly among poor people working in agricultural areas.

Dr Peh, 51, was born in Taiping and studied in Penang and Singapore before coming to Australia.

Although the actual figures are not known, he said an estimated 2,000 people die each year of snakebites in Myanmar, mostly due to acute renal failure caused by the bite.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has awarded the University of Adelaide A$2.3mil (RM6.4mil) for a three-year project to help improve the management of snakebite patients in Myanmar.

There is also a partnership with Australian anti-venom producer bioCSL to improve the quality and availability of anti-venom.

“With the combination of quality healthcare systems and research, and an outstanding anti-venom industry, Australia is uniquely placed to play a global leadership role through this humanitarian work,” Dr Peh said in a statement issued by the university.

Dr Peh said snakebite was one of the world’s most neglected tropical diseases.

A bite from Russell’s viper, one of the most common deadly snakes in Myanmar, requires anti-venom within three hours. Otherwise, the patient risks renal failure and death.

“Unfortunately for many snakebite victims, they are in remote regions with little access to anti-venom,” he said.

Other members of the team are Assoc Prof Julian White and Dr Afzal Mahmood from the Toxinology Department at Adelaide’s Women’s and Children’s Hospital and the university’s School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health. — Bernama