PHOVAPS: Pacific Priorities on Animal Health and Production

Pacific Heads of Veterinary and Animal Production Services (PHOVAPS) Meeting: “Progressing Actions on Pacific Priorities on Animal Health and Production”

Background

The Pacific Heads of Veterinary and Animal Production Services (PHOVAPS) is a multilateral network hosted by the Pacific Community (SPC) that aims to strengthen animal health and production systems in Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). After a 17-year gap, PHOVAPS reconvened in November 2023 to develop a workplan focused on veterinary services capacity building and an integrated para-veterinary scheme. The reinvigorated PHOVAPS network comprised 22 PICT members, Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries (NZMPI) and key technical partners like SPC, WOAH, FAO, and the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP). The SPC Land Resources Division provides secretariat support.

PHOVAPS meetings in 2023 and 2024 were funded through the Sub-grant agreement between SPC and WOAH using the 7th Strategic Plan fund from DAFF. PHOVAPS forum consists of representatives from more than 20 Pacific island countries and territories, of which only 5 are WOAH members (Fiji, Vanuatu, PNG, New Caledonia, and FSM). Thus, PHOVAPS Forum provides a valuable opportunity for WOAH to meet with country representatives and engage Pacific countries in animal health and welfare dialogues including GF-TADs activities and veterinary service capacity building.

Advancing Pacific Priorities in Animal Health and Production

PHOVAPS organised a meeting in Nadi, Fiji from 16 to 18 October 2024. The meeting focused on regional collaboration to address animal health challenges in the Pacific. Key discussions included country updates, a review of existing regional resources, and endorsement of important decision papers. The meeting also featured presentations from partner organizations such as WOAH, FAO, and SPC, highlighting the region’s ongoing activities and future plans.

A session led by WOAH provided information on the WOAH General Session Pacific experience, GEDSI (Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion) activities in the Pacific led by ACDP and WOAH, regional GF-TADs activities, the Pacific TADs workplan, and the progress of the analysis project on WOAH membership benefits.

Details

Date(s): 16 – 18 October 2024

Venue: Nadi, Fiji

Participation: By invitation

Agenda: PDF