On 18th of October for the first time World Animal Health Organization (OIE) Regional Workshop was launched in Yerevan. Representatives from 39 countries are attending the workshop.
Mr Armen Harutyunyan, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of RA welcomed the participants and wished to have an effective workshop. Opening remarks were given by Dr. Kazimieras Lukauskas, Head of the OIE representation in Eastern Europe and Mr Hovhannes Mkrtchyan, Head of the Veterinary Inspection of the State Service for Food Safety of MOA of RA. They highlighted the importance of the event both for Armenia and for coordinators from other countries.
Mr Hovhannes Mkrtchyan, Head of the Veterinary Inspection of the Service mentioned that the main purpose of the workshop is to increase the knowledge of the national coordinators especially obtaining skills in the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS). Rapid alert and monitoring system, which are the main components of “WAHIS” system aim at keeping under the control the veterinary epizootic situation of the member states based on the reports and the monitoring.
Dr. Kazimieras Lukauskas, Head of the OIE representation in Eastern Europe focused on the importance of OIE for international community and separated two objectives: protection of environment and animal health issue.
Dr. Lukauskas added that since 1th of January the OIE 6th strategy programme has been initiated for 2016-2020. Representatives from 180 countries will be present in the mentioned event. He was sure that the upcoming workshop will have a great role in the implementation of the OIE strategy programme and in the future development as well. Transparency and joint activity, exchange of practice and information, use of advanced scientific achievements in the target fields and effective risks management are priorities for OIE.
The services provided in the veterinary sphere by Eduard Stepanyan, former Deputy Head of the Veterinary Inspection of the Service were highly appreciated by OIE. He was awarded by a special letter of gratitude for his devotion and effective cooperation.
In the end of the workshop coordinators of OIE member states will be issued certificates of attendance.
