The Director General of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran, has appointed Dr Naree Ketusing as Sub-Regional Representative for South-East Asia, based in Bangkok, Thailand. On 17 February, she officially succeeded to Dr Ronello Abila who has served at this position for around 20 years.
Dr Naree graduated from Chulalongkorn University to become a veterinarian. Her academic journey continued after that since she earned a Master of Science (MSc) in Veterinary Epidemiology in 2010 from Colorado State University, USA, at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in 2020 from Virginia Tech, USA, specialising in Veterinary Public Policy at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health Sciences.
Prior to Joining WOAH, Dr Naree gained more than 15 years of experience at the Department of Livestock Development (Veterinary Services of Thailand) starting in 2010, where she occupied various roles. She worked as a Veterinary Officer in the International Trade and Regulation Group within the Division of Livestock International and previously held roles in the Virology and Epidemiology Sections at the National Institute of Animal Health. She also served as Chief of Multilateral Cooperation and International Organization Group as well as Chief of European Group.
Dr Naree has extensive knowledge about WOAH. She was communication focal point, contributed as a Project Coordinator for the “International Horse Movement: WOAH Regional Project” and to the WOAH Ad Hoc Group on the evaluation of African Horse Sickness status.
South-East Asia is composed of 11 Members and is home to an astonishing array of wildlife and diverse models of animal production. At the same time, rapid economic development has driven a growing demand for animal products, boosting domestic and regional trade. However, this growth also brings challenges related to animal health, animal welfare, and public health.
Dr Naree will play a pivotal role in supporting WOAH’s efforts to implement the One Health approach and control or eliminate animal diseases that threaten local communities, such as foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), lumpy skin disease (LSD), and African swine fever (ASF). Her expertise and experience working with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will be key to facilitating the implementation of regional strategies.
Welcome to WOAH Khun Naree!
