Regional Seminar: Focal Points for Veterinary Laboratories
July 16, 2024
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The global network of WOAH Reference Centres (RCs) is the central core of the WOAH’s scientific excellence. As of May 2023, 61 Reference Laboratories (RLs) and 13 Collaborating Centres (CCs) are present in the Asia Pacific region.
These RCs have been playing important roles in improving animal health and welfare in the region. Following recommendations from the past Global Conference of OIE Reference Centres, WOAH RRAP and the Government of Japan, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), jointly organised the 1st and 2nd Regional Meeting for OIE Reference Centres for Asia and the Pacific in Tokyo, Japan in 2017 and 2019, respectively. The 3rd Regional Meeting for OIE Reference Centres in Asia and the Pacific was held virtually due to the restrictions posed by the pandemic, in collaboration with MAFF, in 2021. On the 2nd day of this meeting, WOAH Delegates and National Focal Points for Veterinary Laboratories were also invited.
Considering the pertinent roles of WOAH RCs, there is a need to improve their involvement in supporting Members in our region to optimise services. The WOAH and the RCs must identify the challenges in performing activities outlined in the Terms of Reference and consider solutions to improve service.
In this connection, WOAH RRAP, SRR-SEA and HQ organised the 4th Regional Meeting for WOAH Reference Centres in Asia and the Pacific on 19 July 2024 in a hybrid format supported by the Australian, Chinese and Japanese Governments. In conjunction with the meeting, the Regional Seminar for Focal Points for Veterinary Laboratories was organised from 16-18 July, 2024, in Tokyo, Japan and representatives from the RCs were invited to join the 3rd day of the seminar to enhance networking and communication among WOAH, WOAH Members and Reference Centres in matters related to veterinary laboratories.
The two events were organised in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) at a JICA facility in Tokyo. A Letter of Intent for Partnership Between WOAH and JICA was signed in 2019 to promote collaboration and technical interchanges between the two organisations, and collaboration for the events is expected to strengthen this partnership and contribute to capacity building of veterinary services in the region.
