Our network of Reference Laboratories (RL) pursues all scientific and technical matters relating to a named disease. Leading and active researchers designated as WOAH experts help the RLs provide scientific and technical assistance on topics linked to the diagnosis and control of the disease for which the RL is responsible. RLs also provide scientific and technical training for WOAH Member personnel, coordinating scientific and technical studies in collaboration with other laboratories or organizations.
WOAH Collaborating Centres (CC) are centres of expertise in a specific designated sphere of competence relating to the management of general questions on animal health issues. In its designated specialty, they must provide their expertise internationally.
As per recommendations from past conferences of WOAH Reference Centres (RCs), the WOAH Regional Representation of Asia and the Pacific organised the Regional Meeting for Reference Centres for Asia and the Pacific in 2017 and 2019. The meetings determined priorities, identified leaders, and set a timeline for presentable progress within a 2-year time frame.
Meetings also identified the idea of an online platform for collaboration, and the associated utility and benefit of such a tool. It was unanimously agreed that the creation of an online platform should take first priority moving forward.
2nd Regional Meeting for WOAH Reference Centres for Asia and the Pacific (12-13 Mar 2019, Tokyo, Japan)
3rd Regional Meeting for WOAH Reference Centres for Asia and the Pacific (24-25 Feb 2021, Virtual)
The Laboratory Twinning Programme enables WOAH to use its network of Reference Laboratories and Collaborating Centres (referred to as “parent” institutes) to assist “candidate” institutes wishing to improve their capacity and scientific expertise. The aim is to strengthen national and regional laboratories capabilities, and for some of the Candidate Institutes to become WOAH Reference Laboratories and Collaborating Centres for the benefit of their country and region.
