Nipah virus infection in the Asia Pacific

Quadripartite Webinar on Nipah Virus Infection in the Asia Pacific Region

One Health is an integrated, multisectoral approach that addresses health threats at the human-animal-environment interface. It aims to improve the health of people, animals, and ecosystems by recognizing their interdependence. In this context, collaborative approaches like One Health are essential, integrating knowledge across disciplines and sectors. The Regional Quadripartite – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO), World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) supports countries in advancing One Health implementation.

Nipah virus infection is a high-fatality zoonotic disease, usually transmitted from animals to humans, but that can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly between people, with no licensed vaccine or specific treatment available, making prevention, surveillance, and early detection critical. Since 1998, outbreaks in the Asia Pacific have been reported in Singapore, Malaysia, India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. Recent outbreaks in the region continue to underscore the urgency of coordinated action.

Addressing this threat requires a One Health approach, an integrated, multisectoral framework that recognizes the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health. The Regional Quadripartite organised this joint webinar to raise awareness and address the current risks to strengthen prevention, preparedness, and response across the region.

Objectives

The joint webinar was held with the following objectives:

• To enhance awareness about the risks of Nipah virus infection across the human-animal-environment interface;
• To provide an overview about ongoing actions and share local, national, and regional experiences in addressing Nipah virus infection in humans and animals;
• To promote knowledge exchange, networking and international partnerships among key One Health stakeholders and partners in the region.

Outcomes

• Awareness raised on the current situation and risks at the human-animal-environment interface of Nipah virus in the Asia Pacific Region
• Awareness raised on local, national, and regional experiences, challenges, and good practices in addressing Nipah virus infection in humans and animals
• Knowledge exchange, networking and international partnerships among key stakeholders and partners in the region.

Details

Date and time: 19 March 2026, 10:00 – 11:30 AM (Bangkok) | 12:00 – 1:30 PM (Tokyo)

Agenda: Programme

Participation: (event passed)

• This webinar was open to professionals working at public health services, animal health services, environment sector, general public, academia and research institutions. It is also open to all interested in learning about the topic.

Materials

(to be posted, return to this site soon)

Co-hosts, partners and participants

Jointly organised by the Asia Pacific Regional Quadripartite:

FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
WHO South-East Asia Regional Office
WHO Western Pacific Regional Office
WOAH Regional Representation for Asia and the Pacific and Sub-regional Representation for South-East Asia, and
UNEP Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific.