World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI): A strategic partnership to safeguard global animal health
Maison de la Chime, Paris, France, 25 May 2023 – The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the 90th General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates for the welfare and health of animals where this strategic partnership marks a new era of collaboration to protect animal health and promote sustainable livestock production systems across the globe.
Animal health continues to play a critical role in ensuring the well-being of both animals and the livelihoods of people. Diseases that affect livestock can have devastating consequences, leading to economic losses, food security issues, and even potential zoonotic disease outbreaks. Recognizing the shared responsibility to protect animal health, WOAH and ILRI have committed to working hand in hand to tackle emerging challenges and enhance global animal health resilience through a One Health approach.
The MoU between WOAH and ILRI establishes a collaborative framework to address critical animal health issues through joint research projects, capacity building, and knowledge sharing. The partnership will enable the organizations to pool their expertise, resources, and networks to develop innovative solutions that promote animal welfare, enhance disease surveillance, and strengthen veterinary services across regions.
“Around one in five people are involved in livestock production or the processing and marketing of food of animal origin. Protecting animal health is key to sustaining their livelihoods and enhancing food security, in a context where the global demand for animal protein remains a challenge for the poorest populations”, highlights Monique Eloit, WOAH director general.
The areas of mutual interest include addressing zoonotic disease, building capacity through training programs and knowledge exchange initiatives, collaborative research projects to tackle emerging challenges and policy advocacy to advocate for evidence-based policies and regulations to promote animal health and equitable access to veterinary services.
ILRI’s director general Appolinaire Djikeng shares, ‘ILRI and WOAH have had a long-standing relationship and this memorandum of understanding solidifies the commitments to improving animal health globally which contributes towards improving food and nutrition security and the livelihoods of people.’
This collaboration sets a strong foundation for addressing current and future challenges, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in securing the well-being of animals and humans alike.
Read more on the agreement between WOAH and ILRI
