To: Editors & Health Journalists
Issued by: National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) Communication Department Date: Friday, 11 October 2024
NHLS keeps antivenom on hand for emergencies
Johannesburg: Earlier this year, the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) took proactive steps to enhance the future resilience of the South African Vaccine Producers (SAVP) operations by strategically renovating its production facility. Therefore, the NHLS SAVP is currently undergoing extensive renovations that have resulted in the disruption of the production of snakebite antivenom. These disruptions have exaggerated the waiting time for orders to be honoured.
These upgrades, aimed at modernising infrastructure and increasing long-term capacity, are crucial in ensuring that SAVP can meet the growing demand for antivenom in the years to come. Although ongoing renovations have caused a temporary disruption, the NHLS has kept antivenom reserves on hand to ensure that emergencies can be handled with efficiency during this transitional period.
The NHLS management is confident that, with these measures in place, it will continue to meet the needs of the public during the warmer months ahead. The NHLS’ priority remains the health and safety of communities and is dedicated to maintaining the readiness and availability of this limb and lifesaving treatment.
ENDS
For more information and media inquiries, please contact:
Mr Mzi Gcukumana
NHLS Head of Communication 066 376 3171
