Animal Health associations across the globe had come under one roof at office of HealthforAnimals in Brussels, Belgium on 8th and 9th March for 26th General Assembly and 4th Members' Association Forum.
The event was attended by member associations, AAHA (South East Asia), AMA (Australia), AHI (USA), AISA (Italy), APIFARMA (Portugal), BfT (Germany), CAHI (Canada), FIDIN, IFAH-Europe (Europe), INFAH (India), JVPA (Japan), LIF (Sweden), NOAH (U.K.), Pharma.be (Belgium), SAAHA (South Africa), SIMV (France), SINDAN (Brazil), Science Industries (Switzerland), THAI AHPA (Thailand), VETERINDUSTRIA (Spain) and VIF (Denmark).
Ms. Kim Hardie,Communications Director from HealthforAnimals shared various information, documents and tools developed by HFA for general public and Animal health stakeholders. She also talked about the plans of HFA to organize 'World Vaccination Day'on 20th April.
Joseph Harvey, the guest invitee from Animal Pharm described the animal health industry to be healthy and performing well. He explained that the challenge of the industry is to communicate clear messages that make sense and relate to target audience. He stated that communicating about diseases and their impact on trade, economic growth, food safety and security should to be a collaborative effort.
Major topics covered during discussion were global regulatory convergence, responsible use of antibiotics, pharmaceuticals in the environment etc.
In the General Assembly, George Heidgerken, President HealthforAnimals presented the report of activities of the association for the last twelve months. He recalled the priorities agreed for the federation which includes Global regulatory convergence and harmonization, pathways for access to market and for innovative new products, key developing markets: China, Brazil, Russia, India and networking among the association members and communicate value animal health (companies) brings to society. He also presented financial report of 2015-16.
Carel du Marchie Sarvaas, Executive Director HealthforAnimals presented the proposed programme of activities for 2016-2017.
INFAH was represented by Mr. Vijay Teng, General Secretary, INFAH. He presented the regulatory status in India and shared best practices that are appiled. He also elaborated the Animal welfare efforts going on in India. Mr. Teng shared with all the member associations about the initiatives taken by INFAH towards streamlining various regulatory issues, addressing the concerns of animal health companies and contributing towards the society by conducting CSR activities. He also highlighted the areas where both associations can collaborate and it was agreed to organize the "Global Animal Health Conference: 2016" at New Delhi on 17th November.
