The Federation of Asian Veterinary Associations (FAVA) is a non-profit regional organization representing veterinary associations across Asia. Founded in 1978 in Manila, Philippines, and currently headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, FAVA serves as a platform to unify, strengthen, and advance the veterinary profession in the Asia-Oceania region. The federation comprises 25 member organizations from countries including Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, and others.
Core Business
FAVA’s core mission is to enhance animal and public health, food safety, and environmental sustainability by fostering veterinary education, collaboration, and policy advocacy across its member countries. It acts as a regional coordinating body, promoting knowledge exchange, professional development, and harmonized veterinary standards.
Activities & Initiatives
FAVA engages in a broad range of activities aligned with One Health principles:
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Veterinary Education & Training:
- Organizing continuous professional development (CPD) programs.
- Supporting veterinary curriculum standardization across Asia.
- Hosting technical workshops and webinars on current veterinary topics.
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Policy Advocacy & Public Health:
- Promoting responsible use of antimicrobials and zoonotic disease control.
- Collaborating with OIE, FAO, and WHO on regional health policies.
- Advising member governments on animal welfare legislation.
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Scientific Collaboration & Congresses:
- Biennial FAVA Congress attracting 800–1,500 delegates from veterinary, academic, and government sectors.
- Publishing position papers and strategic plans on animal health priorities.
- Encouraging joint research and cross-border disease surveillance.
Specialization & Unique Selling Proposition
FAVA’s strength lies in its role as a neutral and collaborative platform for veterinary organizations in Asia, offering:
- Multinational representation with over 300,000 veterinarians indirectly represented through national associations.
- A structured network for policy harmonization, regional health monitoring, and crisis response (e.g., avian influenza, ASF, COVID-19).
- Direct involvement in global veterinary frameworks, providing Asian perspectives to global organizations such as the World Veterinary Association (WVA).
Financial Strength
As a non-profit entity, FAVA operates on funding sourced from:
- Membership fees
- Sponsorships and grants from international partners such as Zoetis, Boehringer Ingelheim, and academic institutions.
- Project-based funding from intergovernmental bodies and foundations for capacity-building initiatives.
Detailed revenue figures are not publicly disclosed, but FAVA maintains a sustainable financial structure adequate to support its regional programs and administrative operations.
Engagement & Participation Metrics
- 25 member associations from East, Southeast, and South Asia.
- More than 15 major conferences and congresses conducted in the past decade.
- Active partnerships with over 10 global and regional stakeholders including:
- World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
- Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE)
Target Stakeholders
FAVA primarily serves and collaborates with:
- National veterinary associations
- Veterinary schools and training institutes
- Government ministries (agriculture, livestock, health)
- Non-governmental organizations and intergovernmental agencies
- Veterinary pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies
Capabilities
- Policy & Strategic Development: Supports policy drafting and national animal health planning.
- Education & Knowledge Dissemination: Through congresses, webinars, and digital libraries.
- Regional Crisis Coordination: Acts as an information hub during disease outbreaks.
- Research Promotion: Encourages applied veterinary research and regional data sharing.
Certifications & Compliance
While FAVA itself is not a certifying body, it works closely with globally recognized regulators and standard-setters. It aligns its activities with:
- WOAH international animal health codes
- FAO livestock development frameworks
- WHO’s One Health implementation strategies
FAVA facilitates compliance support and harmonization for its members through its educational and policy advocacy efforts.
Endorsements & Testimonials
Several regional health bodies and academic institutions recognize FAVA as a key collaborative platform. In international conferences, partners have stated:
“FAVA has been instrumental in aligning Asia’s veterinary priorities with global health policies.”
“The federation’s commitment to veterinary capacity-building has greatly benefited animal and public health efforts in Southeast Asia.”
Major Achievements
- Developed the FAVA Strategic Plan 2021–2025, a blueprint to strengthen veterinary services in the region.
- Hosted successful biennial congresses across multiple member countries, with high academic and professional participation.
- Contributed to regional AMR (antimicrobial resistance) mitigation policies through training and advocacy.
- Partnered with academic institutions to launch One Health capacity-building projects in Vietnam, Philippines, and Indonesia.
The Federation of Asian Veterinary Associations (FAVA) continues to shape the future of veterinary medicine in Asia through advocacy, education, and regional unity, playing a pivotal role in both animal and public health landscapes across the continent.