Strengthening International Cooperation in Veterinary Medicine and Advancing the One Health Approach.

On August 3, 2026, in Kathmandu, Nepal, the Nepal Veterinary Association (NVA), the Japan Veterinary Medical Association (JVMA), and the Federation of Asian Veterinary Associations One Health Fukuoka Office (FOF) signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation.

The MoU aims to enhance collaboration in veterinary education and research, public health, and the promotion of One Health, while fostering the exchange of knowledge and technology, human resource development, joint training programs, seminars, collaborative research, and technical cooperation.

During the signing ceremony, Dr. Kedar Subedi, President of the NVA, and Dr. Isao Kurauchi, President of the World Veterinary Association (WVA), President of the JVMA, and President of the FOF, signed the Memorandum of Understanding. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Government of Nepal, veterinary and research institutions, former presidents of the NVA, and many other distinguished guests, marking a significant new step toward strengthening the international veterinary network.

Under this agreement, the three organizations will promote the sharing of expertise and technology while advancing joint research, training programs, and capacity building. Through these collaborative efforts, they aim to improve veterinary services, strengthen livestock health management, enhance food safety, and promote public health. Furthermore, by building a framework for cooperation that transcends national and regional boundaries, the partnership is expected to put the One Health concept—recognizing the interconnected health of people, animals, and the environment—into practice and contribute to the creation of a more sustainable society.

The NVA regards this Memorandum of Understanding as a major milestone for the country’s veterinary sector and expressed its expectations that international collaboration will further advance the exchange of knowledge and technology, research activities, and human resource development. The Association also expressed its sincere appreciation to the WVA, the JVMA, and the FOF for their support and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation in promoting veterinary medicine, public health, and One Health in Nepal.

The FOF will continue to strengthen partnerships with veterinary associations and related organizations throughout Asia and actively promote international cooperation to advance the One Health approach, which recognizes that the health of people, animals, and the environment is interconnected.