DAHD and UNDP India partner to digitalize vaccine cold chain management

Ms. Caitlin Wiesen highlighted the increased vulnerability of animals and communities due to frequent zoonotic disease outbreaks and climate change.

The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India. The agreement, focused on the digitalization of vaccine cold chain management, capacity building, and communication planning, was formalized today at the UNDP Country office in New Delhi. Key figures in the signing ceremony included Smt. Alka Upadhyay, Secretary of DAHD, and Ms. Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP Resident Representative in India.

Objectives and Significance

Digitalization and Cold Chain Management: The collaboration aims to enhance the vaccine cold chain management through digitalization, providing real-time information on vaccine stocks, flows, and storage temperatures. This initiative is expected to address supply chain inequities and improve vaccine distribution by leveraging the Animal Vaccine Intelligence Network (AVIN) developed by UNDP. The network will utilize advanced technologies and artificial intelligence for monitoring.

Capacity Building and Communication Planning: The MoU encompasses initiatives for capacity building and developing effective communication strategies. This includes technical assistance to the Centre for Animal Health (CEAH) to enhance animal husbandry practices, planning and development of inclusive livestock insurance programs, and implementing communication plans to better propagate departmental activities.

Challenges and Strategic Goals

Smt. Alka Upadhyay emphasized the critical need for robust supply chains equipped with reliable cold chain equipment to increase immunization coverage. With India's vast livestock and human populations, efficient management of vaccine distribution is essential to ensure nutritional security and address logistical challenges.

Ms. Caitlin Wiesen highlighted the increased vulnerability of animals and communities due to frequent zoonotic disease outbreaks and climate change. The partnership aims to strengthen India's animal vaccine supply chain management system, protecting both communities and animals while mitigating risks at the human-animal-environment interface.

Implementation and Future Prospects

The MoU will facilitate remote temperature monitoring and ensure vaccines are stored within the prescribed temperature range of 2-8 degrees Celsius. The DAHD currently manages a significant FMD (Foot and Mouth Disease) vaccination program, aiming to cover 50 crore large animals and 20 crore small animals with a budget of Rs. 900 crore.

The partnership's broader goals include extending technical assistance, supporting extension services, and skill development initiatives. These efforts will enhance the technical know-how and capacities of stakeholders in the animal husbandry sector.

This strategic collaboration between DAHD and UNDP signifies a significant step towards improving animal health and husbandry practices in India, leveraging the global expertise of UNDP and the mandate of DAHD to create a robust framework for managing animal health and welfare.