[Cancelled] Integrating a One Health approach in field epidemiology training programs

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

A One Health approach is gaining increasing importance as a mechanism to address disease and other health threats in human, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment. For Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs), the incorporation of One Health takes various forms, reflecting differences in sector risks, priorities and capacity. This can range from incorporating One Health principles into sector-specific programs through to fully integrating sectors in a cohesive approach.

Incorporating a One Health approach in FETPs facilitates effective collaboration among sectors and disciplines to address complex health threats faced by communities. By embracing the One Health approach, FETPs facilitate and encourage professionals to work together, leveraging their expertise and perspectives to develop innovative strategies and interventions.

However, while a One Health approach in FETPs holds great promise, it is not without its challenges. Achieving full integration requires a significant commitment of resources, coordination among multiple stakeholders, and the development of governance structures that account for the needs of different sectors.

Nonetheless, the benefits of adopting a One Health approach within FETPs outweigh these challenges. By promoting collaboration, fostering interdisciplinary understanding, and embracing a holistic perspective, the integration of One Health into FETPs has the potential to provide a more effectively managed approach to health threats and provide a more comprehensive, sustainable, and proactive strategy for protecting the well-being of humans, animals, plants, and the environment.

WORKSHOP FORMAT

This interactive learning session will include a combination of short presentations and interactive groupwork. Activities include reflections from existing programs, small group discussions and a role play of the standardization process.

OTHER INFORMATION

Participants will be invited to attend a One Health training Brown Bag session later in the week and join a One Health FETP community of practice on WhatsApp. At regular intervals, we will be checking in with the group to understand progress made with regards to One Health FETPs. We will also encourage the sharing of curriculum and experiences.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

This workshop will examine the practical aspects of a One Health approach in FETPs.

The key learning objectives are:

1. Discuss different models for developing or incorporating One Health into FETPs

2. Discuss the curriculum framework and development of One Health FETPs

3. Experience the process of cross-sectoral standardization of a One Health FETP curriculum through role play

4. Discuss approaches for integrating One Health in program delivery including field work and mentorship

FACILITATOR AND PRESENTERS:

Facilitator is Laura MacFarlane-Berry, with 4 presenters:

1. Kelitha Malio is a One Health epidemiologist and faculty with Field Epidemiology in Action. She currently works with World Vision as the National Program Lead for the One Health frontline field epidemiology training program of Papua New Guinea. Kelitha is a passionate advocate for One Health in Papua New Guinea.

2. Bethseba Peni is a public health epidemiologist and faculty with Field Epidemiology in Action. She is the program lead for the West New Britain province of the One Health frontline field epidemiology training program of Papua New Guinea. Beth is a graduate of the intermediate FETPNG and of the advanced FETP in Thailand. She currently works as the Disease Surveillance Officer with the provincial Department of Health.

3. Elaine Hevoho is an animal health epidemiologist and faculty with Field Epidemiology in Action, focusing on the One Health frontline field epidemiology training program of Papua New Guinea. She is a graduate of the intermediate FETPNG and has also completed fellowships with the Fleming Fund and APCOVE. Elaine currently works as an Animal Health Technical Officer with the PNG National Agriculture and Quarantine Inspection Authority (NAQIA).

4. Dr. Lovena Veerapa Mangroo is a physician and One Health epidemiologist with the Indian Ocean Commission. She is a graduate of the Indian Ocean FETP Advanced program. She currently works as the Coordinator of the Indian Ocean FETP One Health advanced program and is the deputy coordinator of the SEGA-One Health network which comprises more than 300 health professionals from health and livestock ministries from the five member-states.

PARTICIPANTS:

FETP/FETPV faculty and mentors

Maximum number: 20