article · F1000Research
Primary healthcare providers in rural Mkinga District, Tanzania, face significant obstacles when treating animal-related injuries such as bites and stings. An exploratory qualitative study based on in-depth interviews with ten healthcare workers revealed that patient care is severely hindered by community reliance on traditional remedies, limited public awareness of formal medical services, and the high cost of antivenoms requiring out-of-pocket payments. Facilities also contend with severe shortages of medical staff, critical therapeutic resources, and infrastructure gaps. Despite these constraints, providers demonstrated a strong willingness to treat victims. Management could be substantially improved by utilising community health workers, reinforcing functional cold chain systems, expanding supportive health insurance schemes, and addressing regional transport networks to ensure patients receive prompt medical attention.
Animal bites and stings can be fatal without rapid medical intervention. Understanding the obstacles faced by rural clinics highlights the systemic and financial reforms needed to make essential life-saving treatments, such as antivenom, both accessible and affordable. Addressing these barriers can directly reduce preventable deaths and complications in underserved communities.
The findings outline critical operational needs rather than direct commercial products. However, they indicate applied demand for affordable antivenom formulations, scalable cold-chain storage technologies, and micro-insurance products tailored to rural primary care. Healthcare system planners and medical supply distributors could use these operational insights, though any commercial implementation remains at an early concept stage based on this qualitative assessment.
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Background This study aimed to analyzed healthcare providers’ (HCPs) experiences in managing animal-related injuries, including bites and stings, focusing on challenges and opportunities in rural Tanzania. Methods In February 2024, an exploratory qualitative study was conducted at selected primary health care (PHC) facilities in Mkinga District, Tanga Region, as a proxy of a rural setting in Tanzania. Ten HCPs in the selected facilities were in-depth interviewed using an interview guide. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using a thematic approach. Results From the experiences of HCPs, the challenges identified include reliance on traditional treatments, low community awareness of available services, out-of-pocket payment, and the high cost of antivenoms. Additionally, system and infrastructure limitations, workforce shortages, and a shortage of critical medical resources were revealed. However, opportunities exist to improve victim management. These include HCPs’ readiness to treat victims, engagement of community health workers, resource availability, and supportive financial policies. Conclusion Access to healthcare for victims of animal-related injuries in rural settings is limited by socio-cultural practices, poverty, and poor infrastructure. However, leveraging existing opportunities, including the readiness of HCPs, health insurance schemes, and functional cold chain systems, along with improving community awareness and road networks, could significantly enhance timely access to care among victims.
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DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.166768.1
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