The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), originally founded as OIE, is the leading global authority on animal health. It is responsible for safeguarding the health of animals and their environments worldwide, recognizing the interconnectedness between animal health and human health.
Since its establishment in 1924, WOAH has focused on addressing the complexities of animal health. Through the dissemination of information and the use of science-based strategies, it aims to mitigate the potential negative impact of animal diseases on society. WOAH closely monitors the emergence and development of diseases affecting livestock, aquatic animals, and wildlife, in order to address them before they pose a threat to public health. The organization works closely with other leading global organizations such as FAO, WHO, and UNEP on initiatives related to global health. Its 182 member countries understand the importance of adhering to animal health and welfare standards in promoting safe trade, public health, and economic growth within and beyond their borders.
The Republic of Uzbekistan joined WOAH in 1992, and its representatives actively participate in the organization’s annual General Session. Every two years, WOAH holds its Regional Commission for Europe conference in one of its member countries. This year, Uzbekistan was chosen to host the 100th anniversary of WOAH’s establishment and the 31st Conference of the WOAH Regional Commission for Europe.
The International Conference is attended by heads of the WOAH and European regional offices, state representatives, international experts, and individuals responsible for animal husbandry and veterinary medicine in Uzbekistan. During the opening ceremony, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan’s address to the conference participants was read by Bakhrom Norkobilov, Chairman of the State Veterinary Committee.
The address highlighted the increasing global threats of climate change, water scarcity, and food security, and stressed the need for urgent action using advanced knowledge, innovation, and rational resource management. This conference plays a significant role in addressing these goals, and emphasizes the importance of united efforts from all countries to achieve positive results in this area.
At the opening ceremony, Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran, Director General of WOAH, was honored with the badge “Devotee of Veterinary Medicine of the Republic of Uzbekistan”.
Over the course of the five-day conference, participants will work towards developing a regional position based on new standards and regulations, which will then be proposed for adoption at the General Assemblies of WOAH. There will also be meetings with international donor organizations, with the participation of WOAH representatives, to discuss technical assistance in coordinating Uzbekistan’s veterinary control system with the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures of the World Trade Organization. Additionally, there will be discussions on implementing new projects related to veterinary education, disease control, food safety, and improving laboratory competence. The conference will also provide a platform for exchanging views on establishing exports of livestock products from Uzbekistan to European Union countries, as well as implementing grant and preferential loan projects between Uzbekistan and international financial organizations with the involvement of WOAH.
During the conference, Bakhrom Norkobilov, Chairman of the State Veterinary Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, met with Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran, Director General of WOAH.
[gallery-19542]Article by G. Khasanov, photos by A. Isroilov, UzA