ZooWIN Platform

April 1, 2025

India faces a critical health challenge with rabies and snakebite fatalities. The government has introduced ZooWIN, a digital platform aimed at real-time monitoring of anti-rabies vaccines and anti-snake venom stocks. This initiative seeks to enhance healthcare delivery across the country and reduce mortality rates associated with these conditions.

Need for ZooWIN

Rabies causes approximately 60,000 deaths worldwide each year, with India accounting for about 36%. Additionally, snakebites result in around 50,000 fatalities annually in the country. The need for effective management of these health crises prompted the development of ZooWIN. The platform will centralise data, facilitating better collaboration among healthcare providers, municipal authorities, and veterinary services.

Functionality of ZooWIN

ZooWIN operates similarly to the Co-WIN and U-WIN platforms. It leverages the existing infrastructure of the Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN). The platform will provide real-time tracking of vaccine stocks and ensure timely administration to victims of animal bites and snake bites. It aims to increase the availability of anti-rabies vaccines and anti-snake venom in health facilities.

Pilot Implementation

The pilot programme for ZooWIN will launch in five states – Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh. Training sessions for state health officials have already been conducted, with more planned at state and district levels. This phased approach ensures that healthcare providers are well-equipped to utilise the platform effectively.

Enhancing Public Awareness

Inadequate public awareness and low vaccination coverage for dogs have exacerbated the rabies crisis in India. ZooWIN aims to address these issues by improving access to information about rabies and snakebite treatment. The platform will also help locate health centres stocked with necessary vaccines, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

The Role of Partnerships

ZooWIN is developed by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This collaboration is crucial for the successful implementation of the platform and for achieving broader health goals related to rabies and snakebites.

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