Astana, 15 July 2026 — The Islamic Organisation for Food Security (IOFS) held a working meeting with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Sub-Regional Representation for Central Asia to review ongoing cooperation and identify priorities for future joint action.
The meeting brought together Dr. Memduh Unal, Director of the Programmes Department, and Mr. Bakdaulet Yerkhanov, Programme Manager, representing IOFS, and Dr. Mereke Taitubayev, WOAH Sub-Regional Representative for Central Asia.
The discussion focused on the proposed Central Asia Aquaculture Health Initiative, including an introductory webinar followed by a regional training programme. WOAH confirmed its readiness to support the initiative and proposed expanding its geographical scope.
The parties also emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination among veterinary authorities across Central Asia through practical regional activities. They explored opportunities to provide technical assistance to Member States on priority animal diseases and identified the eradication of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) as a potential platform for broader regional collaboration.
In addition, IOFS and the WOAH Sub-Regional Representation exchanged perspectives on strengthening links between Central Asia and the Middle East in the fields of animal health, livestock trade, and aquaculture. A dedicated regional dialogue on these issues may be included in the 2027 workplan.
