Rotary Melbourne Weekly Lunch Meeting 1 May 24

Guest Speaker Dr Andrew Watt, Co-head of the Australian Venom Research Unit

Topic 'The Snakebite Partnership – saving lives across Papua New Guinea'

Time/Date Wednesday 1 May 24 @ 12.30 for 12.50 - 2.00pm

Venue No35 Sofitel on Collins also Online via Zoom

Dr Andrew Watt is co-Head of the Australian Venom Research Unit at the University of Melbourne. Since 2018, he has had responsibility for directing the services of the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Snakebite Partnership, an initiative of the PNG National Department of Health, the Australian High Commission, CSL/Seqirus, and The University of Melbourne in collaboration with the University of PNG. In March 2024, day-to-day management and operations of the partnership transferred to St John Emergency Services PNG.

PNG is home to highly venomous snakes, including the Papuan taipan and the death adder. It has the one of the highest localised per capita death rates from snakebite globally, with snakebites accounting for more deaths than malaria and TB combined. The PNG Snakebite Partnership exists to distribute antivenom and train healthcare workers. Its work has already saved over 1,000 lives.

Andrew’s epidemiological research drives clinical improvements for snakebite patients and ensures PNG hospitals and health centres have adequate supplies of life-saving antivenom. In Sep 2023 he briefed the International Programs Committee on opportunities for RCM to assist the work of the partnership. This has resulted in approval of funding for a pilot program.

Discover how these life-saving services were successfully delivered in PNG, despite its challenging environment. Learn how Rotary could help expand the program to regional locations in urgent need.

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