The World Fund Advisory Committee is made up of representatives of WOAH Members, intergovernmental organisations, philanthropic foundations, and the private sector, which also contributes to the World Fund. The Committee is a forum for partners to learn about WOAH’s priorities and investment needs, and to share information on their own institutions’ specific interests in animal health.

This year, more than 40 external participants attended the virtual meeting on 20 January 2022. Chaired by Dr Hans Wyss, Delegate of Switzerland to WOAH, the Committee reviewed the World Fund’s performance in 2021 and learned about the Organisation’s priorities in 2022 for implementation of its Seventh Strategic Plan.

2021 was the second-best year in the World Fund’s history, in terms of total value and number of new grants signed, confirming continued interest in WOAH activities and in the management of the Fund

During the meeting, participants expressed strong support for WOAH’s strategic outlook and emphasised the Organisation’s long-standing role in international One Health leadership. Following a proliferation of One Health initiatives in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, WOAH must work to ensure that efforts are coordinated, well-targeted, and non-duplicating, taking advantage of the guidance provided by the One Health High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP).

The World Organisation for Animal Health values its partnerships with World Fund donors, and WOAH’s Engagement and Investment Department is more than happy to arrange bilateral discussions with any partners interested in working with WOAH.