Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD)

Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD)

Context:

The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to enhance the digitalization of vaccine cold chain management, along with capacity building and communication planning.

Relevance:

Syllabus: GS-3 – Economy

Key Highlights:

• Strategic Partnership: The collaboration between DAHD and UNDP aims to improve vaccine cold chain management through digital solutions, capacity building, and effective communication strategies in India.
• Background and Need:
  • India, with its vast population of 142.86 crore people, 53.57 crore farm animals, and 85.18 crore poultry, faces significant challenges in delivering veterinary services and ensuring nutritional security.
  • The MoU addresses these challenges by digitalizing the vaccine stock management system to provide real-time information on vaccine stocks, flows, and storage temperatures.
• Innovative Features:
  • Advanced Technologies: The Animal Vaccine Intelligence Network (AVIN) developed by UNDP will utilize artificial intelligence to monitor the vaccine cold chain management process.
  • Supply Chain Efficiency: This initiative will help manage infrastructure constraints and improve management information systems and human resources.
  • Supportive Supervision: UNDP will assist DAHD in ensuring vaccines are delivered in the right quantity, quality, and temperature across the country.
• Enhancing Animal Husbandry:
  • The MoU includes technical assistance to the Centre of Excellence for Animal Husbandry (CEAH) to improve animal husbandry practices.
  • It also covers support for developing an effective livestock insurance program and crafting a comprehensive communication plan to enhance outreach and awareness of DAHD’s activities.
• One Health Approach:
  • The partnership will focus on strengthening animal health using the One Health approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
  • Digitalization and remote temperature monitoring by UNDP will ensure vaccines are stored at optimal temperatures (2-8 degrees Celsius), crucial for increasing immunization coverage and outreach.

Conclusion:

This MoU marks a significant step towards creating a digital future for India’s vaccine cold chain management and improving overall animal health through innovative and collaborative efforts.