Advancing One Health through veterinary education: a mixed methods needs assessment for implementing a WOAH-harmonized national veterinary medicine curriculum in Ethiopia

• DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1357855
• Publication Date: 2024-03-18T04:56:17Z
• Authors: Andrea L. Bessler; Armando E. Hoet; Shimelis Nigatu; Samantha Swisher; Tsegaw Fentie; Bemrew Admassu; Adugna Molla; Manon Brown; Amanda M. Berrian
• Keywords: Veterinary public health; Needs assessment

Introduction International organizations now actively promote and implement One Health collaborative approaches to prevent, detect, control diseases in humans animals, recognizing the critical importance of veterinary agricultural sectors. Moreover, Veterinary Services are chronically under-resourced, especially low- middle-income countries. Given National food security, nutrition, poverty alleviation, global health strengthening capacity is a priority for international community. The World Organisation Animal (WOAH) outlines set minimum competencies veterinarians need support effectively. To improve quality education, Ethiopia has developed new 2020 national curriculum that harmonized with WOAH competencies. Methods A mixed methods needs assessment was conducted identify barriers challenges Ethiopian medicine programs have faced implementing WOAH-harmonized curriculum. Representatives from active granting Doctor Medicine (DVM) degree were invited share their experiences via an online survey follow-up focus group discussion. Results Fourteen programs, representing 93% eligible nationwide, participated assessment. Quantitative analysis indicated most difficult topics associated included Organization (Competency 3.1), Inspection Certification Procedures (3.2), practical applications regulatory framework disease prevention (multiple competencies). Challenges specific instructional methodologies, particularly facilitation off-site (private public sector) student training, also perceived as implementation. Focus discussions elucidated reasons these limitations faculty expertise, resource constraints (e.g., supplies, infrastructure), access facilities hands-on teaching. Conclusion results this will be used prioritize solutions implementation challenges, helping move theory practice. As integral partners advancing Health, can ultimately safeguard animal human health, grow economies, lives.