Ministry of Commerce and Industry Organizes Specialized Workshop on Accreditation Requirements for Veterinary Laboratories

The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, in collaboration with the General Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Affairs and with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Kuwait, is organizing a specialized workshop on the accreditation requirements for veterinary laboratories.

In a press statement, the Institute said the workshop, which runs until the 12th of the current month, aims to strengthen the national capacities of laboratories and support animal health and biosecurity, as well as bolster national efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance.

The Institute added that the workshop focused on assessing the current capabilities of veterinary laboratories, identifying technical needs and infrastructure requirements, enhancing coordination among relevant stakeholders, and identifying opportunities for ongoing technical support. It clarified that the workshop also addressed the importance of strengthening preparedness and surveillance for antimicrobial resistance in the animal and agriculture sectors within the framework of the “One Health” approach, which underscores the close interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health.

It noted that this workshop stems from the national role played by the General Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Affairs in protecting animal health, overseeing veterinary services, and combating animal diseases, alongside its role in supporting food security and biosecurity in the country.

It highlighted that the workshop also reflects the importance of cooperation between the Institute and the WHO Country Office in the field of antimicrobial resistance, noting that the Organization continues to support Kuwait through the National Cooperation Strategy 2023–2027, which serves as a medium-term framework for achieving its health and well-being goals in alignment with Kuwait Vision 2035.

It stated that the World Health Organization plays a pivotal role in efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), within the Quadripartnership aimed at enhancing a comprehensive global response under the “One Health” approach.