Quadripartite webinar on Nipah virus infection in the Asia-Pacific Region

One Health is an integrated, multisectoral approach that addresses health threats at the human-animal-environment interface. It aims to improve the health of people, animals, and ecosystems by recognizing their interdependence. In this context, collaborative approaches like One Health are essential, integrating knowledge across disciplines and sectors. The Regional Quadripartite – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO), World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – supports countries in advancing One Health implementation.

Nipah virus infection is a high-fatality zoonotic disease, usually transmitted from animals to humans, but that can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly between people, with no licensed vaccine or specific treatment available, making prevention, surveillance, and early detection critical. Since 1998, outbreaks in the Asia-Pacific have been reported in Singapore, Malaysia, India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. Recent outbreaks in the region continue to underscore the urgency of coordinated action.

Addressing this threat requires a One Health approach, an integrated, multisectoral framework that recognizes the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health. The Regional Quadripartite will be organizing this joint webinar to raise awareness and address the current risks to strengthen prevention, preparedness, and response across the region.

Objectives

The joint webinar will be held with the following objectives:

• To enhance awareness about the risks of Nipah virus infection across the human-animal-environment interface;
• To provide an overview about ongoing actions and share local, national, and regional experiences in addressing Nipah virus infection in humans and animals; and
• To promote knowledge exchange, networking and international partnerships among key One Health stakeholders and partners in the region.

Outcomes

• Awareness raised on the current situation and risks at the human-animal-environment interface of Nipah virus in the Asia-Pacific Region
• Awareness raised on local, national, and regional experiences, challenges, and good practices in addressing Nipah virus infection in humans and animals
• Knowledge exchange, networking and international partnerships among key stakeholders and partners in the region.

Co-hosts, partners and participants

Jointly organized by the Asia-Pacific Regional Quadripartite:

FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific
WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia
WOAH Regional Representations for Asia and the Pacific
UNEP Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific

This webinar is open to professionals working at public health services, animal health services, environment sector, general public, academia and research institutions.

Tentative agenda

Session 1: Welcome and introductions - Moderated by Dr Yin Myo Aye, FAO

• Representative from Quadripartite: Dr Filip Claes, FAO RAP

Session 2: Overview about Nipah - Moderated by WOAH

• Overview of Hendra virus infection in Asia under OH perspectives: human-animal interface, epidemiology and geographical aspects by Dr Gongal Gyanendra, WHO South-East Asia
• Update in livestock: surveillance, diagnostic and ways forward by Dr Luca Porfiri, FAO RAP
• Environmental and ecological drivers for spillover, including wildlife, by Dr Kinley Choden, WOAH (technical inputs by UNEP)
• Q&A

Session 3: Experience sharing - Moderated by Dr Jessica Kayamori Lopes, WHO Western Pacific

• Panel discussion: Lessons learned on preparedness and response from India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines

Session 4: Exploring interests in the region

• Mentimeter for topics in next webinars by WOAH

Session 5: Closing Remarks

• Representative from the Regional Quadripartite, WHO South-East Asia