Medicine Meets Mission: Dr. Benjamin German’s Work with Asclepius Snakebite Foundation

By Dr. Benjamin German • October 2025

This August marked my third trip to West Africa with the Asclepius Snakebite Foundation (ASF), an all‑volunteer nonprofit focused on reducing the global burden of snakebite through clinical care, clinician training, and research.

I’ve been involved with ASF since 2020. Our team includes physicians, paramedics, biologists, and other professionals united by a shared mission to prevent death and disability from snake envenomation. We currently operate a clinic in Guinea, support a clinic in Sierra Leone, and are preparing to expand operations to the Republic of Congo, Cambodia, and additional countries.
ASF team members standing outside a partner clinic in Guinea, West Africa
ASF team members standing outside a partner clinic in Guinea, West Africa

Why Snakebite Matters

Snakebite envenomation is a major but under‑recognized public health issue, especially in tropical regions such as Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Warm, humid climates support large snake populations, and hands‑on agriculture places farmers and field workers at highest risk.

In Africa, mambas and certain cobras can cause rapid paralysis and respiratory failure, while vipers may cause severe local tissue injury or life‑threatening bleeding disorders.

Western green mamba: potent neurotoxic venom can paralyze breathing without rapid treatment.
Western green mamba: potent neurotoxic venom can paralyze breathing without rapid treatment.
Forest cobra: another neurotoxic species capable of causing fatal respiratory failure.
Forest cobra: another neurotoxic species capable of causing fatal respiratory failure.
Puff adder: a large viper whose venom can cause extensive tissue damage and bleeding complications
Puff adder: a large viper whose venom can cause extensive tissue damage and bleeding complications

Antivenom: The Cornerstone of Care

Despite the dangers, these bites are treatable. Antivenom, made of antibodies that neutralize venom toxins, remains the foundation of snakebite management. Because venoms vary by species and region, antivenoms must be matched accordingly; for example, North American antivenoms do not work against African snakes.

Antivenom is given intravenously by trained clinicians, and timeliness is critical, mamba bites can be fatal within hours. While adverse reactions are uncommon, teams must be prepared to recognize and treat them quickly.

How ASF Saves Lives

  • Reliable antivenom supply: We raise funds and ensure consistent access at partner clinics.
  • Critical medical supplies: IV kits, medications, gloves, airway tools, and monitors.
  • Hands‑on training: Ongoing education in airway management, critical care, and resuscitation.
  • Research & analytics: Venom collection and biochemical analysis to improve treatment.

These efforts helped reduce mortality at our Guinea clinic from 25% to less than 1%, while treating 400–600 snakebites annually. Partner sites in Sierra Leone report similar success.

Support ASF’s Work

A Baby’s Story: Speed Saves

One recent case involved a 4‑month‑old baby bitten on the hand by a puff adder while playing on the floor. Because the family lived near our clinic, they arrived quickly, even as a power outage forced our staff to start an IV outdoors for better light.

Clinicians starting an IV on an infant outdoors due to a power outage at the clinic
During a power outage, our team started the baby’s IV outdoors to ensure immediate care.
Close view of the infant's swollen hand and forearm with blistering from envenomation
Rapid antivenom halted progression; swelling and blistering were closely monitored.
Recovered infant with mother and Dr. Diallo, senior snakebite specialist in Guinea
Recovery and discharge: the infant with his mother and Dr. Diallo, our senior snakebite specialist in Guinea.

Scaling Impact

Patients within several hours of our clinics have an excellent chance of survival. The challenge is access: in many regions, our sites are the only places where trained snakebite care and antivenom are reliably available. We’ve proven the model works, our goal is to replicate these centers in the areas of greatest need.

A Personal Mission

Working with ASF has been deeply rewarding. I’ve been fascinated by snakes since age three, when I caught one in our yard in California. Torn at one point between wildlife biology and medicine, I ultimately blended both interests by focusing on envenomation care. ASF lets me use the skills I’ve spent decades developing to help patients and advance knowledge.