First WOAH substandard and falsified veterinary products (SFVPs) workshop

Background

Substandard and falsified veterinary products (SFVPs) are authorised veterinary products (VPs) that fail to meet either their quality standards, specifications, or both. Unauthorised veterinary products deliberately or fraudulently misrepresent their identity. They can be found in various ways, including street markets, unregulated websites, and pharmacies, clinics, or hospitals. The SFVP has negative impacts on both animal and human health, including the development of antimicrobial resistance.

To support Members in addressing this complex issue, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) is working on the development of a Global Information & Alert System for SFVPs. It aims to receive notifications of SFVPs from its network and to subsequently inform all Members through alerts to facilitate their identification and eventual removal from circulation.

In 2022, WOAH conducted an initial pilot experience among fourteen voluntary WOAH Members, representing all geographical regions. Based on what was learned, we aim to expand this pilot period to include 40 voluntary participants to better understand Members’ needs and develop the specifications an effective system would require.

Objectives

On 12 – 14 June 2024, WOAH organised a three-day workshop in Bangkok, Thailand with the following aims:

To better understand the situation of SFVPs in the Asia-Pacific region
To create a digital platform that can be used by participants as the main tool for reporting SFVPs
To strengthen links with other international organisations such as the WHO, the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and Interpol
To analyse the presence and trends of incidents of SFVPs at the regional and global levels
To raise awareness among civil societies and the general public