Hacia un abordaje integral del envenenamiento ofídico en América Latina: la importancia de la generación de conocimiento científico-tecnológico endógeno

摘要

Snakebite envenomings constitute a serious public health problem on a global level, especially in Africa,Asia and Latin America. In our Latin American region, it is estimated that at least 70,000 snakebitecases occur every year, although the actual number is likely to be higher. This pathology is one of theso-called ‘neglected tropical diseases’, i.e. a group of diseases that affect primarily poor people in poorsettings and, therefore, does not receive the necessary attention from research agencies, pharmaceuticalcompanies, and health authorities. Consequently, it has been described as a ‘disease of poverty’.In our continent it largely affects impoverished populations living in rural areas, including indigenousgroups