In a commemorative event held in Astana, Kazakhstan, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) marked the 10th anniversary of its sub-regional representation for Central Asia. This significant milestone is rooted in the Agreement signed between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and WOAH in 2013, which established the foundation for collaborative efforts in the field of animal health.
The celebratory gathering witnessed the presence of distinguished guests, including the Vice Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) of Kazakhstan, WOAH Delegates from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, along with representatives from the Committee of Food Security under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. Additionally, the esteemed Head of the World Health Organization (WHO) country office in Kazakhstan graced the event with their presence.
Dr Mereke Taitubayev, at the helm of the WOAH sub-regional representation, took the opportunity to highlight the significant achievements and contributions made over the past decade. Among the notable accomplishments were the successful conduction of Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) missions, leading to the attainment of official WOAH animal disease-free statuses.
The anniversary celebration served not only as a moment of reflection on past accomplishments but also as a platform to reinforce the commitment to ongoing collaboration in the years ahead. The enduring partnership between WOAH and the Central Asian nations showcased the positive impact of international cooperation on enhancing animal health, securing livelihoods, and fortifying the region against the threat of transboundary diseases.
As WOAH’s sub-regional representation in Astana looks back on a decade of dedicated service, it stands as a testament to the collective efforts in building a resilient and healthier future for Central Asia’s animal population. The shared commitment to the principles of the 2013 Agreement continues to pave the way for innovative solutions and collaborative initiatives that will shape the site of animal health in the region for years to come.
In the decade since its establishment, the sub-regional office has played a pivotal role in bolstering Central Asian countries’ efforts to combat animal diseases, enhance food safety, and elevate animal welfare standards. Notable achievements during this period include conducting an impartial evaluation of the veterinary services across the entire region and actively supporting the formulation and execution of national strategies to combat prevalent animal diseases such as foot and mouth disease, brucellosis, African swine fever, and other dangerous infections. The office has also organized multiple educational events tailored for veterinary specialists and stakeholders, fostering knowledge dissemination and skill development. Furthermore, it has been instrumental in fostering collaboration among Central Asian nations within the field of veterinary medicine and has significantly contributed to the seamless integration of Veterinary Services into both regional and global entities under WOAH. As we mark the office’s decade-long journey, these accomplishments stand as a testament to its unwavering commitment to the betterment of animal health and welfare in the region.
