Transboundary animal diseases (TADs) and zoonotic diseases persist as threats to animal and human health, food security, rural development, and poverty alleviation in Asia-Pacific. Recognizing the importance of coordinated efforts at national, regional, and global levels, FAO ECTAD played a crucial role in establishing the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Coordinating Centre for Animal Health for Zoonoses (ACCAHZ).

Under the European Union-Highly Pathogenic and Emerging and Re-emerging Diseases (HPED) programme, FAO collaborated with ASEAN to conduct a study to assess regional coordination on animal health and zoonotic diseases. The study underscored the critical need for a dedicated regional coordination mechanism, paving the way for the establishment of ACCAHZ.

With FAO’s support, the ACCAHZ Preparatory Committee started, with FAO providing technical support through the EU-HPED programme, at the request of the ASEAN Member States. This encompassed the development of essential agreements, financing agreements, and technical frameworks, including the creation of important mechanisms such as the ASEAN Veterinary Epidemiology Group (AVEG) and ASEAN Laboratory Directors Forum (ALDF).

In 2015, the 37th meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) endorsed the Agreement for the Establishment of ACCAHZ, which was fully ratified in 2016. Fast-forward to 2021, and FAO’s commitment persisted through the Strengthening Mechanism in Animal Health for a Resilient ASEAN (SMART-ASEAN) project, facilitating ACCAHZ’s transition into operational status.

Funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the SMART-ASEAN project has achieved notable milestones in establishing ACCAHZ. Through this initiative, FAO has facilitated the creation of essential documentation and strategic frameworks and supported the organization of the 1st ACCAHZ Governing Board meeting in Malaysia, which signifies ACCAHZ operationalization. Further, FAO was also accepted as the ACCAHZ Associate Member during the meeting. With all the efforts, ACCAHZ has become an important centre for regional coordination and response capabilities in animal health across the Southeast Asia region.