RIVER Launches Mobile App to Enhance Rabies Surveillance

The Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research (RIVER) has unveiled a mobile application aimed at strengthening rabies surveillance and reporting. This initiative was launched on September 28, 2023, in conjunction with World Rabies Day. The new app, named the Rabi-Track RIVER App, was developed in collaboration with the Atal Incubation Centre at Puducherry Technological University.

During the launch, Yasin M. Choudhary, Secretary of Animal Husbandry and Chairman of the Pondicherry Veterinary College Society, emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive “One Health” approach to effectively combat rabies. This approach integrates human, animal, and environmental health to tackle the disease more efficiently.

In addition to the app, a brochure was released in Tamil, detailing the significance of rabies prevention and control measures. This material is intended for distribution within the community to raise awareness about the disease. The event also saw the participation of notable figures, including K. Murugavel, Dean of RIVER, S. Govindarajan, Mission Director of the Puducherry State Health Society, and several other dignitaries involved in public health and animal welfare.

A photography and short video contest focused on rabies prevention, held for students from the Indira Gandhi College of Arts and Science, concluded with awards presented to the winners. This initiative aims to actively involve students in spreading public awareness about rabies, as highlighted in a press note from RIVER.

Educational Sessions Promote Rabies Awareness

The launch event also featured technical sessions led by experts in the field. These sessions covered a variety of topics, including rabies immunization, animal reservoirs, and diagnostic techniques, in addition to outlining the objectives of the National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP). Experts stressed the critical importance of timely vaccination and post-exposure treatment, which can be life-saving measures.

Funding for the event was provided by the NRCP and the Puducherry State Health Mission, underscoring the collaborative efforts aimed at combating rabies in the region. The event concluded with the screening of a rabies awareness video produced by RIVER, which focused on prevention strategies, responsible pet ownership, and fostering community cooperation towards the national goal of eliminating rabies by 2030.

The launch of the Rabi-Track RIVER App represents a significant step forward in rabies surveillance efforts in India, reflecting a commitment to public health and the safety of both animals and humans.