Addis Ababa, January 15, 2025 (FMC) – The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) conference will take place every year in the Month of May in Paris and the regional commissions of each continent is held every two years in continental levels.
All 54 member states of WOAH and regional Economic communities of Africa unanimously nominated Ethiopia to host the next 26th WOAH Regional Conference for Africa in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
The 2025 World Animal Health Organization African Conference in Ethiopia will be themed “Animal Health for Food Security and Public Health in Africa” and will take place from 4-7 Feb 2025 in Addis Ababa, according to the Ethiopian Agriculture Ministry.
The conference will feature preliminary arrangements involving representatives from AU member states mainly Chief Veterinary Officers (CVOs) /and Permanente delegates to the WOAH from 54 AU/ member states are expected to take part.
The Ministry of Agriculture said it is coordinating these prior arrangements by establishing Main Task Force and different sub committees.
State Minister Fikru Regassa (PhD) emphasized that during the conference, discussions will focus on Prevention and Control of animal diseases in Africa, as well as facilitating dialogues that aim to create disease-free countries.
Fikru noted that global organizations working on food and nutrition will share various ideas and solutions, highlighting the importance of public health and animal health and their interconnections.
He added that discussions will also cover how to improve livestock productivity, food security concerning children to tackle stunting , and the role of animal health in these efforts.
The conference will foster collaboration with neighboring countries and regional partners to control animal diseases and enhance market access, he said.
Countries will share their strategies for animal health management, and Ethiopia will showcase its animal health initiatives, development strategies, and best practices for global awareness, particularly in dialogue with African peers, as to him.
Fikru pointed out that the World Organization for Animal Health Conference of Regional commission for Africa in Ethiopia will significantly contribute to the advancement of animal health.