Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), which provides medical and humanitarian aid in over 70 countries worldwide, will co-host an online event for children titled "Encountered a Venomous Snake! What Would You Do? A Survival Challenge to Save Lives☆" on July 25 (Sat) in collaboration with Kids Weekend Co., Ltd. Additionally, MSF has launched a new kids- and youth-oriented web content section called "Dangerous Creatures Encyclopedia" on its website as part of the "MSF Club".
Left: Online event, Right: Web content
MSF is launching this summer holiday initiative to educate children about health threats posed by dangerous creatures in nature—such as mosquitoes and venomous snakes—and about MSF's work protecting lives from these threats. By learning how common animals cause widespread harm around the world, children will gain awareness about the value of life and global disparities in access to healthcare. The initiative also offers ideas that can be used for school research projects.
1 Online Event: "Encountered a Venomous Snake! What Would You Do? A Survival Challenge to Save Lives☆"
Globally, over 2.7 million people are bitten by venomous snakes each year, resulting in more than 100,000 deaths and over 400,000 people suffering long-term disabilities. While droughts and floods are increasing the number of such incidents, antivenom remains extremely expensive and inaccessible for many. In this context, MSF treats around 7,000 snakebite cases annually.
This event will focus on Yemen, one of the countries heavily affected by snakebites, and feature a Japanese emergency physician who has worked with MSF in Yemen as the guest speaker. Children will be challenged to imagine what they would do if someone were suddenly bitten by a venomous snake in a field, far from any hospital or medicine—prompting them to think creatively about accessing treatment. The event will also provide insights into global healthcare challenges and MSF's medical activities.
Date and Time: July 25, 2026 (Sat), 19:00–20:00
Target Audience: Elementary school students and above (recommended for lower elementary grades and older)
Format: Online (via Zoom)
Participation Fee: Free
How to Register: Visit the event website
https://www.msf.or.jp/event/detail/20260725.html
Organizers: Kids Weekend Co., Ltd., Médecins Sans Frontières Japan (MSF Japan)
Event Inquiries: MSF Japan Public Relations
Speaker Profile:
Dr. Tsuyoshi Mahiyama, Emergency Physician, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
Born in Chiba Prefecture in 1985. Inspired to become a doctor after reading an MSF newsletter as a high school student. The Great East Japan Earthquake further motivated him to specialize in emergency medicine, which he pursued professionally. He has worked at Iwata City General Hospital, the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, and Okinawa Prefectural Yaeyama Hospital. During his early and advanced training, he gained medical experience in Nepal, Laos, and Bolivia. Since 2016, he has participated in MSF missions, primarily serving as an emergency physician and medical activity manager in conflict zones. He currently works at a hospital in Hokkaido.
Emergency Physician Dr. Tsuyoshi Mahiyama C MSF
2 Kids- and Youth-Oriented Web Content: MSF Club "Dangerous Creatures Encyclopedia: Animals Close to Us That Threaten Lives"
Website URL:
https://www.msf.or.jp/kikenseibutsu
Content:
"Getting bitten by a mosquito," "bitten by a dog"—these may seem minor concerns in Japan, but in many parts of the world, they can be life-threatening. The "Dangerous Creatures Encyclopedia" introduces diseases spread by animals, the realities faced by people whose lives and livelihoods are endangered by them, and the work MSF carries out to help.
From the MSF website
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: Event