Riyadh, October 01, 2023, The 17th conference of the Regional Committee for the Middle East under the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) for the year 2023 commenced today. This significant event is being orchestrated by the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases, known as 'Weqaa,' in collaboration with WOAH. The inauguration ceremony witnessed the esteemed presence of key figures, including Eng. Ahmed bin Saleh Al-Ayada, Deputy Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA) for Agricultural Development, Dr. Monique Eloit, Director of WOAH, and Eng. Ayman bin Saad Al-Ghamdi, CEO of 'Weqaa.'
Participation in the conference will span twenty countries, alongside a host of international and regional organizations that are deeply invested in animal health. Moreover, several official authorities within the Kingdom will also partake in this event. Over the course of the conference, set to run until the following Thursday in Riyadh, the primary objectives will revolve around identifying and bolstering the roles of member states in averting animal diseases and epidemics in line with global standards. The conference will also delve into addressing contemporary international challenges related to animal health and exploring measures to reinforce vital precautions, thereby mitigating the potential transmission of epidemics and dangerous animal diseases between nations.
In his address, Eng. Ahmed bin Saleh Al-Ayada, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, emphasized the pivotal role of the Saudi agricultural sector, including livestock and plants, in realizing the objectives of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. This sector stands as a cornerstone of food security on local, regional, and global scales. He further highlighted the establishment of the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases, 'Weqaa,' as a specialized and independent national entity dedicated to the realms of plant and animal health.
'Weqaa' assumes a critical responsibility, focusing on averting plant pests and animal diseases to safeguard both human and animal health. Additionally, the center is tasked with executing and monitoring preventive and control measures against plant pests and animal diseases with a proactive approach.
The 17th conference aspires to review the latest advancements in the realm of animal disease prevention and control, with a particular focus on the classification and prioritization of these diseases within the Middle East region.
