From November 17 to 21, the Pacific Heads of Veterinary and Animal Production Services gathered for their annual meeting. The Oceania representatives of PREZODE presented a collaborative plan aiming at a regional impact framework for One Health research projects based on the region’s needs and priorities.
The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation supporting development in the Pacific region. Its headquarters in Noumea, New Caledonia hosted the annual Pacific Heads of Veterinary and Animal Production Services (PHOVAPS) Meeting in November 17– 21, 2025. The overall theme for the discussions was ‘Strengthening Regional Leadership in Animal Health: Determining Priorities, Celebrating Achievements and Enhancing Collaboration’)
PREZODE was represented by the Oceania team members Prof. Ricardo J. Soares Magalhães, a member of our Steering Committee, and Dr. Léa Indjein, both from the University of Queensland. They presented and interacted with PHOVAPS member state representatives on the plan of implementation of the PREZODE One Health Action in the Pacific (OHANA) project, supported by funding from the French Embassy of Australia through the Pacific Fund. PREZODE OHANA aims to co-construct a regional impact framework for One Health research projects with Pacific nations, based on the region’s needs and priorities.
Extensive learning about activities and challenges of the Pacific region
The 5-day event also allowed Dr. Soares Magalhães and Dr. Indjein to discuss with Pacific animal health leads and partners (ACDP, DAFF, MPI, WOAH), to whom they introduced the PREZODE Initiative, its programs and capabilities, while learning extensively about activities and challenges of the Pacific region. This initial contact allowed the team to establish a valuable engagement with delegates and organizers, which will facilitate upcoming PREZODE OHANA workshops in 2026.