ACCAHZ LAUNCHED TO STRENGTHEN REGIONAL ANIMAL DISEASE CONTROL

SEPANG, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- The launch of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Animal Health and Zoonoses (ACCAHZ) today marks a historic step in strengthening regional efforts to control animal diseases and zoonoses, while reinforcing Malaysia’s role as host to ASEAN’s 14th recognised international organisation.

Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) secretary-general, Datuk Seri Isham Ishak, said the initiative to establish ACCAHZ began in 2007 and received formal approval from all ASEAN member states in 2016. After 18 years, the centre is now fully operational in Salak Tinggi with support from the Malaysian government through the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS).

“ACCAHZ is a legal entity with the mandate to coordinate ASEAN member states’ actions in monitoring, preventing and controlling animal diseases, including zoonoses - diseases transmissible from animals to humans, which pose serious threats to public health and national economies.

“As a legal entity, ACCAHZ can also strengthen cooperation with international bodies such as the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), and other global agencies in implementing disease control initiatives,” he told a press conference after the launch here today.

Also present were Veterinary Services Malaysia director-general, Datuk Dr Mohd Noor Hisham Mohd Haron, and acting deputy director of Agriculture and Agrifood, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism Brunei, Dr Diana Dennis, who chairs the ACCAHZ Governing Board.

Isham added that ACCAHZ membership will be extended to Timor-Leste following its admission to ASEAN at the recent 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, ensuring full regional commitment and cooperation.

Meanwhile, Mohd Noor Hisham said ACCAHZ brings significant benefits as it promotes regional collaboration with various international organisations in developing frameworks for animal disease and zoonoses control, as well as capacity-building through knowledge transfer, expertise sharing and technology exchange.

“ACCAHZ plays a vital role in coordinating activities to ensure effective control, prevention and eradication of animal diseases, especially transboundary and zoonotic diseases across ASEAN.

“In addition, its links with strategic dialogue partners can generate technical support, resources and funding to assist ASEAN countries, particularly in disease preparedness and in connecting them with global animal health experts,” he said.

ACCAHZ currently comprises 10 ASEAN member states that have ratified the 2016 Establishment Agreement - Malaysia, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

In a separate matter, Mohd Noor Hisham said the DVS is on full alert for the monsoon season, prioritising two key areas: relocating livestock to safe locations and supplying animal feed such as hay and pellets to affected farmers.

“We assist farmers who have limited access to feed for their livestock. This support is coordinated at state and district levels to ensure it reaches them promptly.

“At the federal level, we have a disaster committee to address any damage and to channel additional assistance to affected farmers,” he said.

-- BERNAMA