An international parasitology conference in Malaysia was the platform for launching a new disease-combatting association across Asia Pacific. The Asia Pacific Association of Veterinary Parasitology (APAVP) was announced at the 21st International Congress for Tropical Medicine and Malaria (ICTMM) 2024. The event was held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, Malaysia.
The new association aims to advance the science, education and awareness of veterinary parasitology, vector-borne diseases and parasitic zoonosis in Asia. It is intended to be a network for collaboration among veterinarians, scientists, students, industry partners, government agencies and international organisations.
Speaking at the congress, Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud, Director of the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak said that the rise of health crises like monkeypox and rabies calls for global cooperation: “These outbreaks and disease transmissions threaten Malaysia’s public health and economic trade. We need more experts in the field of veterinary parasitology to avoid any negative impacts on Sarawak’s development. DVS Sarawak is eager to collaborate with APAVP on plans that strengthen Sarawak’s control, management, and prevention of diseases affecting human and animal populations.”
Global animal health leader Boehringer Inghelheim is backing the APAVP. Through its sponsorship, it aims to transform veterinary parasitology in Asia Pacific. “APAVP provides a vital platform for collaboration, where industry experts … can come together to share knowledge, exchange the latest insights, and establish benchmarks for best practices in veterinary parasitology,” said prof. Frederic Beugnet, global head of technical services for pet parasitology at Boehringer Ingelheim.
“This is a valuable opportunity to reflect on the real impact of business events and the legacies they create. The formation and launch of the APAVP is a prime example of how achievable and within reach a convention legacy is,” said Amelia Roziman, CEO of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak).
“The APAVP strongly embodies the One Health concept and membership is open to anyone who has an interest in advancing the field of veterinary parasitology and parasitic zoonosis in the region,” said Dr Reuben Sharma, President Steering Committee of the APAVP.
Representatives from 12 countries namely Australia, China, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand will attend the inaugural Steering Committee meeting after the launch today.
