WOAH launches website to drive global dialogue on animal health

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, founded as the OIE) in January launched a website that aims to promote understanding of key animal health, animal welfare, and veterinary issues from around the world.

The Animal Echo presents a blend of scientific articles and blog posts written by experts in animal, public, and environmental health, according to a January 24 statement from WOAH. Additionally, the site aims to promote the sharing of insights and experience to encourage thought leadership in the animal health sector, while also spotlighting voices from within the WOAH.

To mark its launch on International Education Day, The Animal Echo features a starting lineup of articles on the themes of gender in the veterinary profession, animal health, and biosecurity.

One article written by Dr. Neil Vezeau, a food safety veterinarian and member of the AVMA Committee on International Veterinary Affairs, and Sonia Fèvre, a WOAH staff member based in Nairobi, Kenya, describes how women make up a majority of veterinarians in 30 countries across the Americas, Europe, and Australasia.

This proportion of women reaches as high as 93% in the case of Finland. Additionally, the proportion of women in the sector is steadily increasing in almost all countries for which such data are available, the article states.

“With its focus on fostering global dialogue, The Animal Echo is set to play a crucial role in shaping conversations on animal health and welfare across the world,” according to the announcement. “… the launch of The Animal Echo underscores the importance of cross-sector knowledge sharing in addressing global challenges. By encouraging the exchange of insights, WOAH reinforces its key message that animal health is everyone’s health, paving the way for a more sustainable future.”