A Tech-Based Solution to a Public Health Crisis
ZooWIN: India’s Digital Health Shield Against Rabies and Snakebite Fatalities : To address the alarming number of deaths caused by snakebites and rabies in India, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has launched ZooWIN—short for Zoonotic Vaccine Information Network. With India contributing to nearly 36% of global rabies deaths and over 50,000 deaths from snakebites annually, this real-time digital tracking system aims to revolutionize the way vaccines and antivenoms are distributed across the country, especially in rural and high-risk areas.
Smart Tracking Through eVIN Infrastructure
ZooWIN leverages the digital backbone of the Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN)—similar to the architecture behind Co-WIN and U-WIN platforms. It enables health departments to monitor stocks and distribution of anti-rabies vaccines and anti-snake venom in real time, helping ensure that critical supplies are quickly dispatched where needed. This enhances response times and helps prevent avoidable deaths from bite-related emergencies.
Pilot States and Training Underway
The platform is currently being piloted in five regions: Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh. State and district officials are undergoing training to effectively utilize the system. The phased rollout allows for problem-solving during implementation before scaling up to national coverage.
Closing Gaps in Public Awareness and Access
One of ZooWIN’s major goals is to improve public access to life-saving vaccines by providing real-time information about nearby health facilities with available stock. This helps reduce treatment delays and enables better preparedness in both urban and rural communities. The platform also acts as an educational tool, guiding citizens on proper first response for animal bites and the importance of early treatment.
Global Collaboration for Local Health Security
Developed jointly by NCDC and UNDP, ZooWIN exemplifies India’s One Health approach, integrating human and animal health solutions. It also reflects the Digital India mission’s expansion into public health, providing tech-backed, community-driven responses to endemic health threats.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT
ZooWIN: India’s Digital Health Shield Against Rabies and Snakebite Fatalities :
| Feature | Details |
| Platform Name | ZooWIN (Zoonotic Vaccine Information Network) |
| Purpose | Live tracking of rabies and snakebite treatment logistics |
| Launched By | National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) |
| Partner Organization | United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) |
| Technology Backbone | Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) |
| Pilot Regions | Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh |
| Health Focus Areas | Rabies (~36% of global deaths in India), Snakebite (~50,000/year) |
| Comparable Platforms | Co-WIN, U-WIN |
| Broader Alignment | One Health mission, Digital India, National Health Mission |
