Across Southeast Asia, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) continues to circulate among domestic and wild bird populations, posing serious risks to animal and public health, food security, conservation, and livelihoods. The virus’s geographic expansion and adaptation threaten poultry farms, wildlife, and the economic stability of millions who rely on agriculture, highlighting the need for coordinated regional action.
To address this challenge, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Singapore co-hosted a three-day “One Health Workshop on the Multi-Sectoral Prevention and Control of Avian Influenza for the Southeast Asia Region.” Over 100 experts, policymakers, and technical partners from animal health, wildlife biology, livestock production, and public health sectors across Southeast Asia and international organizations convened to strengthen regional coordination and enhance preparedness against HPAI.
Dr. Scott Newman from FAO emphasized that HPAI now affects species and ecosystems historically untouched by the virus, underscoring that no single ministry or country can manage the threat alone. The workshop provided a platform for animal health, public health, wildlife health, and environment authorities to transition from policy to practical action, aiming for faster detection, smarter prevention, and coordinated responses before outbreaks escalate into crises.
Singaporean officials highlighted the importance of a unified regional response. Mr. Alvin Tan, Minister of State for National Development, noted that the virus moves quietly across borders, requiring urgent, coordinated, and data-driven action through a One Health approach. Dr. Chang Siow Foong, Director-General of Animal & Veterinary Service, stressed that by bringing countries and sectors together, the region can detect threats earlier, respond faster, and protect human, animal, and environmental health.
Participants reviewed the current regional HPAI situation, assessed progress on existing frameworks, and developed strategies for monitoring, evaluation, and operational coordination. Recommendations included operationalizing regional frameworks to manage avian influenza risks, strengthening veterinary services, advancing One Health collaboration, and ensuring evidence-based regional action, benefiting Southeast Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
The workshop was supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office through the project “Quadripartite Support for the Implementation of the ASEAN One Health Joint Plan of Action” and included participation from institutions such as Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Hokkaido University, WHO, WOAH, UNEP, and the OFFLU network. This initiative reinforces FAO’s commitment to building resilient, coordinated responses to cross-border health threats through collaboration across agriculture, health, environment, and wildlife sectors.
