Shillong, Jul 20: A pilot project to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies in all hamlets and localities within Laitumkhrah locality will begin from July 22.
The National Health Mission, Meghalaya, in collaboration with the Health & Family Welfare and Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Departments, and CRE-India Foundation, launched the initiative on Monday under a comprehensive “One Health” approach at Ramakrishna Mission Dispensary.
The project operationalises coordinated mass dog vaccination, community awareness, improved surveillance in human and animal populations, and responsible pet ownership. Officials said it aligns with the global goal of zero human rabies deaths by 2030 under the theme “One Health, One Future – Together for a Rabies-Free Meghalaya.”
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Paul N. Chyne, Director (MCH & FW) & JMD, NHM, said breaking the transmission chain requires cross-sector collaboration. He expressed hope that CRE India’s tracking and color-coded collar mapping system would help scale the model statewide.
Dr. David T. Sun of the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department said rabies is preventable through vaccination, post-exposure treatment and responsible ownership. He noted ongoing dispensary vaccinations, awareness drives and stray dog sterilization with Shillong Municipal Board. He expressed optimism that the Laitumkhrah initiative will act as a successful, replicable model for the State.
CRE India Director Dr. Harish Tiwari said the goal is to achieve a 70 per cent vaccination threshold in the local dog population. He outlined use of a specialised app with photo ID and metadata for tracking, and illuminated QR-coded collars for monitoring immunity. He also announced a ₹1 lakh donation and said, “I want Meghalaya to be the first state in India to be rabies free.”
Headman of Laitumkhrah Andrew Dkhar pledged community support, noting the area’s 13 localities face issues with free-roaming dogs.
Earlier, NHM State Nodal Officer (IDSP) Dr. Valerie J. Laloo said the pilot in Laitumkhrah will provide insights before scaling statewide.
