Shillong, July 21: In a bid to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies, a pilot project with drives such as mass dog vaccination was launched at Laitumkhrah in the city on Monday.
The project taken up under the theme “One Health, One Future – Together for a Rabies-Free Meghalaya”, seeks to bring together health, animal husbandry and community stakeholders.
Led by the National Health Mission with support from the Health & Family Welfare and Animal Husbandry & Veterinary departments, and CRE India Foundation, the initiative will be launched across all localities in Laitumkhrah on July 22.
According to officials, the plan focuses on mass dog vaccination, public awareness, improved disease surveillance, and responsible pet ownership to meet the global goal of zero human rabies deaths by 2030.
MCH & FW director Paul N Chyne and NHM Joint MD said the pilot will test strategies like QR-coded collars and digital tracking before scaling statewide.
David T Sun from Animal Husbandry stressed vaccination and sterilization, while CRE India Director Harish Tiwari outlined a target of 70% dog vaccination coverage and announced a Rs 1 lakh contribution.
He said the app-based monitoring system will help map and track immunised dogs.
Laitumkhrah headman Andrew Dkhar pledged community support, noting the area’s large student and patient population is affected by stray dogs.
NGM state nodal officer Valerie J Laloo said the pilot will provide lessons for statewide rollout.
Officials present included Laureata Dkhar and Pynkham Lyngdoh from the Health and Animal Husbandry departments.
