In a significant move to enhance public health infrastructure, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, through its National Centre for Disease Control, is set to launch a digital portal to ensure real-time tracking of rabies vaccines and anti-snake venom stocks across India. This initiative has been developed by the Centre for One Health, with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme. It is poised to bring transformative changes to the management of zoonotic diseases in the country.
The portal, named ZooWIN, is scheduled to be piloted in five states: Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Puducherry. This digital platform aims to centralize and streamline the monitoring of vaccine supplies, track beneficiaries, and ensure timely administration of the complete rabies post-exposure prophylaxis regimen. Officials highlight that this innovation represents a critical step toward leveraging technology for improved public health outcomes.
The launch is accompanied by a robust training program to equip master trainers from the pilot states with the necessary skills to effectively implement the ZooWIN system. Recently, a “training of trainers” session was conducted in New Delhi, led by the National Centre for Disease Control and in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme. This marks the beginning of a larger effort to modernize vaccine supply chains and boost their efficiency.
In addition to the digital portal, the initiative builds upon previous efforts to strengthen access to treatment for rabies and snakebite-related health issues. A dedicated helpline, 15400, was launched in 2024 across the five pilot states to provide easy access to critical information and assistance for individuals affected by these conditions. The new platform aims to complement such services by fostering seamless coordination among healthcare providers, municipal authorities, and veterinary departments.
Rabies remains a critical health challenge, claiming over 60,000 lives globally each year. India bears a disproportionate burden, accounting for nearly 36 percent of these deaths. Despite being entirely preventable, rabies continues to pose a significant threat, putting millions at risk annually. Experts hope the ZooWIN platform will play a pivotal role in addressing these issues by improving vaccine accessibility and monitoring its distribution effectively.
Rabies is just one of the more than 200 zoonotic diseases known to affect humans. As one of the deadliest, it underscores the necessity of robust health systems to combat these conditions. Previous collaborations between the Ministry of Health and UNDP have seen the successful implementation of digital health solutions such as the Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network and the Covid-19 Vaccine Intelligence Network. These platforms have revolutionized the tracking of vaccine stocks and administration, providing a solid foundation for the development of the ZooWIN platform.
As part of the ZooWIN initiative, the government aims to create an integrated system that will centralize crucial data, enhance real-time decision-making, and foster better coordination across various stakeholders. These efforts underline India’s commitment to leveraging digital innovation to improve public health outcomes, ensuring that life-saving vaccines and antivenom supplies reach those in need without delay. With its focus on streamlining logistics and improving accountability, the ZooWIN platform is expected to save countless lives and strengthen the country’s response to zoonotic diseases.
