Animal Health Industry Calls For Greater Collaboration Between National Governments In New Delhi
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Animal Health industry calls for greater collaboration between national governments
Experts gather at the 5th Global Animal Health Conference 2016 in Delhi to discuss the need to improve access to veterinary medicine
Thursday 17 November 2016.
HealthforAnimals, the global animal medicines association, called for greater cooperation between national governments to improve market access for veterinary medicines at the 5th Global Animal Health Conference in Delhi, India.
In front of representatives from two dozen countries, HealthforAnimals encouraged regulators and policymakers to build stronger regional cooperation networks that can streamline regulatory systems and improve the availability of animal medicines.
The 5th Global Animal Health Conference brought together government representatives, regulators, industry, academia, inter-governmental bodies and international organisations to exchange views, best practices and the challenges of good regulatory governance of veterinary medicines.
Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the conference highlighted how improving farmers’ access to animal health products bolsters socio-economic development.
Enabling the registration and availability of quality animal health products protects the livelihood of famers and communities by preventing unnecessary loss of livestock due to treatable disease, while safeguarding humans against transferable disease.
Opening the conference, Dr. Samuel Thevasagayam, Deputy Director of Agricultural Development at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation said:
“Approximately sixty per cent of smallholder farmers depend on livestock for their wellbeing in Africa and South Asia. It is estimated that twenty-five per cent of livestock production is lost due to preventable or treatable diseases. One of the major reasons attributable for the lack of availability and accessibility of quality veterinary medicines and vaccines is the lack of an appropriate, robust and functioning regulatory system.
“We are working, with our partners in the animal health industry and regulatory agencies, to establish a robust regulatory framework that is effective, transparent and predictable to address this massive need to eliminate the leakage of value from livestock production and help small holder farmers realise the value of livestock by further investing in feed, livestock genetics and improved husbandry.”
Closing the conference, HealthforAnimals’ Executive Director, Carel du Marchie Sarvaas said:
“The purpose of the conference was to bring together people from a range of sectors to help build a greater bond, and in turn, better animal health. A key theme of the day has been harmonisation. Chiefly the need for regulators and governments to collaborate together with other stakeholders.
“Access to quality veterinary medicines not only protect animals but humans, their livelihoods and wellbeing. We hope all those at the conference apply and share today’s learnings to help us all make animals healthier.”
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Notes for editors
HealthforAnimals
HealthforAnimals is an organisation representing manufacturers of veterinary medicines, vaccines and other animal health products in both developed and developing countries across five continents. The mission of HealthforAnimals is to foster a greater understanding of animal health matters and promote a predictable, science-based regulatory environment that facilitates the supply of innovative and quality animal medicines, vaccines and other animal health products into a competitive market place. These products contribute to a healthy and safe food supply as well as a high standard of health and welfare for animals and people.
For further information on HealthforAnimals visit: http://healthforanimals.org/
For further press information please contact:
Kiran Dhillon, press office
Tel.: +44 01273 712000
E-mail: [email protected]
