Government signs MoU with UNDP for capacity building and digitalization of vaccine cold chain management

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New Delhi: The government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for capacity building and digitalization of the vaccine cold chain management, a PIB press release stated.

This partnership aims to enhance the digitalization of vaccine cold chain management, capacity building, and communication planning in India. It is signed by the Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Alka Upadhyay, and the UNDP Resident Representative in India, Caitlin Wiesen. The cold chain management in India is one of the major challenges in the vaccination rollout. The country has a population of 142.86 crore people, 53.57 crore farm animals, and 85.18 crore poultry population. With a large population and a high demand for vaccines, it is essential to ensure proper storage and distribution of vaccines to reach the required population.

The government is committed to using technology and artificial intelligence to address the challenges in the cold chain management. The Animal Vaccine Intelligence Network (AVIN) developed by UNDP will provide real-time information on vaccine stocks and flows, as well as storage temperatures. This will help in monitoring the cold chain and ensuring the proper distribution of vaccines.

The partnership between the government and UNDP will also focus on strengthening the Animal Health with One Health approach. This approach emphasizes the importance of collaboration between humans, animals, and the environment.