Focal Points Workshop and Aquatic Animal Health Network Meeting

Regional Workshop for WOAH Focal Points for Aquatic Animals

The Regional Workshop for WOAH Focal Points for Aquatic Animals was organised in Tokyo, Japan from 7 to 9 July 2026 by WOAH RRAP with facilitation from the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (TUMSAT), Japan. This regional workshop brought together WOAH Aquatic Animal Health Focal Points, Collaborating Centres, Reference Laboratories, and partners to continue WOAH’s ongoing programme on strengthening Focal Point roles and national capacities in aquatic animal health.

Building on the previous regional training held in Busan in 2023, this workshop supported Focal Points in understanding and fulfilling their responsibilities within the WOAH Aquatic Animal Health Strategy, including the implementation of WOAH aquatic standards, effective use of disease reporting systems, and engagement with regional scientific networks. Through technical sessions, case studies, interactive group discussions, and partner engagement, participants deepened their knowledge of WOAH tools and contributed to advancing coordinated regional efforts under the Regional Collaboration Framework on Aquatic Animal Health in Asia and the Pacific or Asia-Pacific Aquatic Animal Health Network (AP-AquaNet).

Objectives

To strengthen Focal Points for Aquatic Animals’ capacity to implement WOAH aquatic standards, meet disease reporting obligations, and support national coordination mechanisms for aquatic animal health.
To promote peer learning and enhance regional networking among Focal Points, Reference Centres, and partners to support sustained information sharing and coordinated regional action.
To advance regional collaboration on biosecurity, emergency response, laboratory support, and AMU/AMR through sharing innovations, Member experiences, and partner initiatives.
Strengthen engagement with WOAH capacity-building programmes including the PVS Pathway, PVS Information System, and WOAH eLearning Platform to support national analysis, planning, and advocacy for aquatic animal health systems.
To develop consensus-based regional priorities and recommendations from Focal Points to guide WOAH RRAP planning and activities under AP-AquaNet.

5th Meeting of the Steering Committee on Regional Collaboration Framework on Aquatic Animal Health in Asia and the Pacific (AP-AquaNet)

The 5th Meeting of the Steering Committee on Regional Collaboration Framework on Aquatic Animal Health in Asia and the Pacific (AP-AquaNet) was held back-to-back with the workshop, on 10 July 2026.

Objectives

To review the implementation of the projects and flagship activities under the framework
To share challenges and gaps amongst WOAH-designated experts and members on aquatic animal health management
To identify potential activities for 2026 onwards

The meeting reviewed progress of AP-AquaNet flagship activities, endorsed the 2027–2029 flagship activities on strengthening the AAH network and capacity building, agreed to revise the AP-AquaNet Terms of Reference to strengthen governance, confirmed interim co-chairs, and identified key follow-up actions to advance regional aquatic animal health priorities.