History of VPHCAP
In response to global challenges such as Avian Influenza, BSE, Nipah virus, and SARS, the demand for food safety, environmentally sustainable agriculture, and fair trade practices has grown worldwide. Recognizing these needs, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University began collaborating with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin (FU-Berlin), Germany in 1999. Together, researchers and experts from multiple countries worked to establish Chiang Mai University as a regional hub in Veterinary Public Health (VPH).
The goal was to strengthen multidisciplinary approaches in food safety, zoonotic disease prevention, and international trade negotiations under frameworks like the WTO-Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement. This partnership led to the creation of the Regional Centre for Veterinary Public Health, supported by international recognition as an educational and research hub.
A key milestone was the launch of the joint Master of Science in Veterinary Public Health (MVPH) International Program with FU-Berlin. This innovative curriculum aimed to produce and develop human resources in VPH to meet the needs of food production and trade in Southeast Asia and the Greater Mekong Subregion. The program was financially supported by the EU-Asia Link Programme (370,000 Euros) and local partners, including the Charoen Pokphand Foundation and the Thai government.
The grand opening ceremony of the Centre took place on October 9, 2003, at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, presided over by H.E. Mrs. Sudarat Keyuraphan, Minister of Public Health, with participants from 17 Asia-Pacific countries and more than 50 international researchers.
In 2019, to better reflect its expanded focus on food safety and food security, the Centre was renamed the Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety Centre for Asia Pacific (VPHCAP).
Vision
The Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety Centre for Asia Pacific (VPHCAP) serves as a knowledge and collaborative hub on food of animal origin, animal diseases, and cross-border epidemics. VPHCAP is a self-dependent, internationally recognized organization committed to supporting safe food systems and strengthening regional and global cooperation.
Objectives
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To serve as a regional information center on food safety related to food of animal origin in Asia Pacific.
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To manage the Master of Science Program in Veterinary Public Health (International Program) and related postgraduate or specialized training in VPH.
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To be a training, research, and extension service center in Veterinary Public Health.
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To foster local, regional, and international collaboration for developing new knowledge in VPH, food safety, and trade that require multidisciplinary expertise.
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To develop human resources and institutional capacity to meet international standards in Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety.
