Shillong, July 21: Marking a milestone in public and animal health for the State, the National Health Mission (NHM), Meghalaya, in collaboration with the Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Meghalaya, in collaboration with the Cre-India Foundation (Collaborate for Rabies Eradiction India), successfully launched the “Implementation of Comprehensive One Health Approach to Eliminate Dog-Mediated Human Rabies in Laitumkhrah Area.” The drive will commence from 22nd July in all hamlets and localities of Laitumkhrah on pilot basis.
Held at the Ramakrishna Mission Dispensary in Laitumkhrah, Shillong, the launch marked a decisive step towards an integrated solution for rabies control.
The event brought together government officials, health experts, veterinary specialists, and community leaders to operationalize the “One Health” concept, recognizing that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment.
Notably the One Health approach to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies focuses on coordinated mass dog vaccination campaigns, community education on rabies prevention, improved surveillance in both human and animal populations, and responsible pet ownership programs.
The initiative aligns with the global goal of zero human rabies deaths by 2030, encapsulated by the State’s theme: “One Health, One Future – Together for a Rabies-Free Meghalaya.”
Delivering the inaugural address, Dr. Paul N. Chyne, Director (MCH & FW) advocated for a comprehensive approach, highlighting the interdependence between human health, animal welfare, and the environment.
He stated that breaking this transmission chain demands active, collective collaboration across multiple sectors, explicitly thanking key stakeholders from the animal husbandry, municipal, education, and forest departments, as well as the CRE India Movement.
He also extended gratitude to the local community leaders and committee members, noting that the success of any public health program heavily relies on community involvement and local ownership.
While acknowledging that the pilot project is a modest first step, he expressed optimism that the strategic tracking and color-coded collar mapping system supported by CRE India would eventually scale up to render the entire State rabies-free.
Representing the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Meghalaya, Dr. David T. Sun highlighted that while rabies is a feared disease, it is fully preventable through responsible pet ownership, prompt post-exposure treatment, and achieving vaccination rates.
He outlined the Department’s ongoing efforts, which include routine dispensary vaccinations, public awareness campaigns, and stray dog sterilization programs conducted alongside the Shillong Municipal Board. He concluded by expressing optimism that the Laitumkhrah initiative will act as a successful, replicable model for the entire State,
In his address, Dr. Harish Tiwari, Director of CRE India, said that the initiative aims to eliminate rabies through an approach uniting multiple stakeholders. Outlining the roadmap, he emphasized the need to break the virus transmission cycle by achieving a strict 70% vaccination threshold within the local dog population.
To overcome tracking challenges, he detailed a framework featuring a specialized app that utilizes photo identification, metadata collection, and modelling for accurate population estimation. He explained that vaccinated dogs will be fitted with illuminated, QR-coded neck collars allowing teams to monitor immunity levels.
Highlighting his dedication to the cause with a ₹1 lakh donation to the mission, he concluded stating, “I want one day, Meghalaya to be the first state in India to be rabies free and I want to make that dream a reality.”
Bah Andrew Dkhar, Headman, Laitumkhrah Dorbar Pyllun, expressed the community’s full commitment to the initiative aimed at eliminating dog-mediated human rabies. He noted that Laitumkhrah, a prominent educational and healthcare hub comprising 13 localities, currently struggles with unattended, free-roaming street dogs.
Welcoming the launch of this vital pilot, he conveyed deep gratitude to the collaborative Government Departments and optimism that this initiative will serve as an effective model for the rest of Shillong and the wider State.
Earlier delivering the welcome address, Dr. Valerie J. Laloo, State Nodal Officer (IDSP), NHM, emphasized that rabies is completely fatal yet entirely preventable, the initiative’s core mission is to ensure no further lives are lost.
To ensure operational effectiveness, the project is strategically piloting its efforts first within the Laitumkhrah area; this will allow organizers to gather practical insights and adapt their methods before expanding the model across the rest of the State.
By implementing proactive strategies with dedicated civic cooperation, Meghalaya aims to successfully scale this localized pilot across the entire State, realizing the ultimate vision of a safer, rabies-free future for all citizens.
Dignitaries included Dr. Paul N. Chyne, Director (MCH & FW) and Joint Managing Director (NHM), Dr. Laureata Dkhar, Assistant Director of Disease Investigation (AH & Veterinary), Dr. David T. Sun, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary department, Dr. Harish Tiwari, Director of CRE India, Bah Andrew Dkhar, Headman of the Laitumkhrah Dorbar Pyllun. Dr. Valerie J. Laloo, State Nodal Officer (IDSP), NHM, and Dr. Pynkham Lyngdoh, State Nodal Officer (NPCCHH), NHM.
