Workshop on risk-based management of spillover events in wildlife

Background

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) is the global authority on animal health, focused on disseminating information on animal diseases, improving global animal health, and creating a safer, healthier world. Its Wildlife Health Framework, “Protecting wildlife health to achieve One Health,” promotes multi-sectoral collaboration between Veterinary Services and other professionals to address health threats. WOAH uses guidelines, standards, and risk reduction strategies to address gaps related to spillover events between wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. This One Health approach is vital for a sustainable future for wildlife, ecosystems, humans, and animals.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for better regional pandemic preparedness in Asia and the Pacific. WOAH, in collaboration with the Quadripartite partners (FAO, WHO, UNEP), is working to improve preparedness. This workshop aims to strengthen Vietnam’s capacity in risk-based management to address spillover risks from wildlife.

Objectives

1. To enhance stakeholders’ knowledge on risk analysis for diseases originating from wildlife, covering risks of introduction, spread, and impact. This will include sharing up-to-date WOAH guidelines (e.g., the upcoming 2024 publication on disease risk management in wildlife trade supply chains and markets).
2. To conduct a gap analysis of risk assessment, communication, and management using real data provided by the country prior to the workshop.
3. To deepen understanding of risk management factors through a simulation exercise with fictional and/or real-life data.
4. To improve communication and awareness among stakeholders responsible for surveillance and responding to potential spillover diseases.