News

4 Dec 2023

Asia United for Animal Health and Welfare – The 22nd FAVA Congress to WVA

By Dr Johnson Chiang (WVA Honorary Past President and Professor Chou Chincheng (WVA Councillor for Asia and Oceania)

The Federation of Asian Veterinary Associations (FAVA) Congress 2023 was successfully held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Sarawak, Malaysia, with the theme “Asia United for Animal Health and Welfare.” The event took place from November 3-5, 2023, and attracted a total of 823 delegates from 15 countries, including Japan, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Korea, Singapore, Netherlands, United States, Brunei, Taiwan, Vietnam, Yemen, Myanmar, India, and Malaysia.
The Congress featured 86 speakers, with 39 international and 47 local experts contributing to lectures on various topics, such as small animal medicine, equine medicine, and One Health. The Congress also highlighted the essential task of fortifying veterinary services and enhancing the workforce to effectively address pressing global issues. The FAVA Congress 2023 has successfully concluded, and made all participants garner valuable insights which could be put into practice to propel the development of the veterinary industry and enhance collaboration and
synergy in veterinary services across the Asian region.
Dr. Isao Kurauchi serving concurrently as the President of the Japan Veterinary Medical Association (JVMA) and the current President of the FAVA, stands as a distinguished figure. Under his visionary leadership, FAVA has been at the forefront of promoting and championing One Health initiatives, fostering tangible advancements in the field. He established the first FAVA One Health office in Fukuoka, Japan, fostering integrative health approaches and expressed intentions to raise One Health awareness throughout Asia, positioning the Fukuoka office as a
pivotal global center.
On the last day of the FAVA congress, the development of veterinary education in Asia was discussed. The purpose was to promote the progress of veterinary medicine in Asia and keep pace with veterinary education around the world, so as to empower practicing veterinarians with professionalism and an integrated reflection of animal welfare and one health. This process has been achieved through the joint efforts of
the FAVA 24 veterinary associations and 52 veterinary universities in 23 countries in Asia as well as the World Organisation for Animal Health, and the goals have been set to be improved and achieved one by one.
At the closing ceremony of the conference, the World Veterinary Association was represented by Professor Chou Chincheng, Asia-Oceania Regional Councilor, who gave a brief delegated speech. And through a broadcast video announced the 39th WVA Conference to be held in Capetown, South Africa next year, inviting all representatives to participate enthusiastically and cherish the goodbye at last.