Astana, Kazakhstan - The Regional Workshop on Sustainable Veterinary Health Systems in Central Asia was successfully held on 24–25 June 2025 at S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University in Astana. The event was organized by the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) in partnership with Seifullin University and with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The workshop brought together a wide range of participants, including representatives from veterinary authorities, academic institutions, and international organizations, as well as experts from Central Asia, Türkiye, Italy, and beyond. Discussions were held in both English and Russian, with simultaneous interpretation provided.
Over two days, attendees explored key challenges and opportunities in strengthening veterinary health systems across Central Asia. Topics included regional disease threats, such as brucellosis, PPR, and avian diseases, as well as workforce development, veterinary education, and cross-border coordination.
The first day focused on national perspectives and international experiences, featuring presentations from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, along with expert insights from Türkiye and Italy. A panel discussion closed the day with a focus on aligning national strategies toward a regional approach.
The second day emphasized capacity building, research, and planning for future cooperation. Representatives from WOAH, and academic institutions shared guidance on workforce training and veterinary education. The event concluded with an interactive planning session for the IOFS Animal Development Program and a set of consolidated recommendations for future collaboration.
The workshop served as a platform to strengthen partnerships, share best practices, and lay the groundwork for a regional cooperation framework aimed at improving veterinary health systems and supporting food security across Central Asia.
