Document type Panorama 2023-2: editorial by theWorld Organization for Animal Health (WHO, formerly OIE)
Author: Monique Eloit
Preview: Animal health issues are often associated with land-based livestock. However, it is widely recognized that aquaculture is the world's fastest-growing food production sector, with almost 50% of the world's aquatic animals being destined for consumption. Given that epidemics constitute a major threat to aquatic animal production worldwide, it is clear that the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) needs to concern itself with this issue. Unfortunately, due to the gaps in the veterinary curriculum in this field and a lack of resources, aquatic animal health and welfare is currently not properly addressed. In its Aquatic Animal Health Strategy, WOAH sets itself the ambitious task of changing this paradigm. Launched in 2021 by the Organization, the strategy builds on the recommendations of the WOAH Global Conference on Aquatic Animal Health, held in Santiago, Chile, in 2019. The WOAH Global Strategy for Aquatic Animal Health is a call to action to tackle some of the greatest challenges in the realm of aquatic animal health and welfare. It sets itself four objectives:
- Standards
- Capacity building
- Resilience
- Leadership.
These four complementary objectives must be seen as part of a set of priority actions that need to be implemented or reinforced to promote sustainable global growth in aquaculture production. Only in this way can we hope to reduce the risks to animal health and welfare brought about by such expansion. This holistic approach involves several of the Organization's departments, both at our headquarters in Paris and at our regional and sub-regional bases. Those working in the sector will receive support that reflects the full range of WOAH's programs, and will be able to work in the field alongside our members. The collaborations between WOAH and its members, partners and relevant stakeholders such as other international organizations, reference laboratories and the private sector, forms one of the central pillars of our Strategy. Its purpose is to ensure the Organization's full commitment to those in need of assistance, and those prepared to offer their own services. Through its activities, WOAH will support national, regional and international efforts to improve the health of aquatic animals in order to meet the world's growing need for aquaculture products.
We are convinced that improving the health and welfare of aquatic animals worldwide will contribute to sustainable economic growth, poverty reduction and improved food security - in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our goal is to balance our actions to reflect these four strategic objectives ; and the support of our funding partners is essential for their full implementation.
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