DAHD and UNDP sign MoU to enhance vaccine cold chain management using AI and digitalization.
The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India to advance digitalization in vaccine cold chain management, capacity building, and communication planning. The agreement, formalised at the UNDP Country Office in New Delhi, was signed by Alka Upadhyay, Secretary of DAHD, and Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP Resident Representative in India.
Alka Upadhyay emphasised the critical need for robust supply chains and reliable cold chain equipment to enhance immunisation coverage across India’s vast population of 142.86 crore people, 53.57 crore farm animals, and 85.18 crore poultry. She highlighted that the digitalization of vaccine stock management and real-time monitoring will address supply inequities and improve infrastructure, management information systems, and human resources. The Animal Vaccine Intelligence Network (AVIN), developed by UNDP, will play a pivotal role in this transformation.
Caitlin Wiesen underscored the increasing vulnerability of animals and communities due to zoonotic diseases and climate change. She stated that this partnership would bolster India’s first animal vaccine supply chain management system, protecting both communities and animals while mitigating risks at the human-animal-environment interface.
Joint Secretary Sarita Chauhan explained that the new age technology and artificial intelligence integrated into the cold chain monitoring system will enable real-time supervision of vaccine storage, ensuring that vaccines are maintained at the prescribed temperature of 2-8 degrees Celsius. This will significantly enhance the immunisation coverage and outreach for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), with DAHD supplying vaccines worth INR 900 crore this year, targeting 50 crore large animals and 20 crore small animals.
The collaboration also aims to strengthen animal health using a One Health approach, focusing on digitalization and remote temperature monitoring of the cold chain. Additionally, it will provide technical assistance to enhance animal husbandry practices, support the development of livestock insurance programs, and implement effective communication strategies. This partnership is a significant step towards improving animal health and husbandry practices in India, leveraging UNDP’s global expertise and DAHD’s resources to create a comprehensive framework for managing animal welfare in the country.
