The South African Vaccine Producers (SAVP) part of the National Health Laboratory (NHL) announced a delay in the release of antivenom products.
Professor Koleka Mlisana, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NHL said antivenom manufacturing is “a very intricate and highly specialised process, demanding rigorous testing and quality assurance.”
Revised dates are for Polyvalent Antivenom 520 units, expected to be released on the 20 February 2026, Spider Antivenom 217 units (20 February 2026), Echis Antivenom – Stock is available at 190 amps on hand, Scorpion Antivenom – (30 March 2026 -2nd batch) and Boomslang Antivenom to be released on the 30 March 2026.
Picture: African Snakebite Institute.