AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION 03 September 04 PNG death rate from snake bites 'one of world's highest'
Papua New Guinea has been described as having one of the highest death rates from snake bites in the world.
An Australian post graduate student in public health, David Williams, made the claim after conducting research in PNG's Central province.
Mr Williams says people in the province die from snake bites because there are no proper clinical doctors to treat the patients.
He says it is estimated that PNG has the third highest mortality rate from snake bites in the world - with a death rate 800 per cent higher than Australia's.
Mr Williams was speaking during a clinical management course being conducted this week for rural health workers to accurately diagnose and treat people suffering from snake bites.
Our reporter in Port Moresby, Firmin Nanol, says Australia's James Cook and Monash universities are running the course to equip 65 health workers with clinical skills.
PNG death rate from snake bites 'one of world's highest'