5th Regional Meeting: Reference Centres in Asia and the Pacific

Background

The global network of WOAH Reference Centres (RCs) is the central core of WOAH’s scientific excellence. In the Asia-Pacific region, as of May 2026, 65 Reference Laboratories (RLs) and 17 Collaborating Centres (CCs) are present: https://rr-asia.woah.org/en/reference-centres

These RCs have been playing important roles in the improvement of animal health and welfare in the region. As per the recommendations from the past Global Conference of OIE Reference Centres, the WOAH Regional Representation for Asia and the Pacific (RRAP) and the Government of Japan, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), jointly organised the 1st and 2nd Regional Meetings for OIE Reference Centres for Asia and the Pacific in Tokyo, Japan in 2017 and 2019, respectively.

Again in collaboration with MAFF, the 3rd Regional Meeting for OIE Reference Centres in Asia and the Pacific was held virtually in 2021 due to restrictions imposed by the pandemic. On the 2nd day of this meeting, WOAH Delegates and Focal Points for Veterinary Laboratories were also invited. The 4th Regional Meeting for WOAH Reference Centres was organised in 2024 back-to-back with the regional seminar for the Focal Points (FPs) for Veterinary Laboratories in hybrid format.

Recognising the significant role of WOAH RCs, there is a continued need to strengthen their contribution to supporting Members across the region, with the aim of optimising services provided. WOAH and the RCs should assess the challenges affecting the implementation of activities outlined in the Terms of Reference (TORs) and identify practical measures to enhance service effectiveness and impact.

In this connection, WOAH RRAP, in collaboration with WOAH SRR-SEA and HQ offices, organised a ‘Regional Seminar for FPs for Veterinary Laboratories’ from 19-21 October 2026, and a Regional Meeting for WOAH Reference on 22 October 2026, in Geelong, Australia. RC representatives were invited to join the third day of Regional Seminar for WOAH FP for Veterinary Laboratories on 21 October 2026.

The two events were organised in collaboration with Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP), WOAH Collaborating Centre for Laboratory Capacity Building.

Objectives

1. Provide updates from WOAH on matters related to RCs.
2. Identify and share challenges and success stories in implementing key activities of WOAH RCs, and discuss ways forward to enhance their services.
3. Explore strategies to strengthen networking and collaboration among RCs and with Members.