JW Marriott Hotel, Bangkok, 26 – 28 APRIL 2023
The APCOVE Networking meeting was held to explore the diversity of field epidemiology training (FET) programs in South-East Asia and the Pacific, with a focus on addressing common interests and country-specific needs. The workshop aimed to develop future directions and opportunities, identify challenges and gaps, and suggest recommendations for enhancing and improving the existing training system. It discussed how to develop a sustainable network of empowered veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals (VPPs) in the region.
This Communique is a concise record of the workshop’s purpose, key discussion themes and recommendations for field epidemiology training (FET) programs in South-East Asia and the Pacific.
The three high-level priorities that are recommendations for action to commence immediately and extend over three years are:
- Advocate and influence donors, funders, industry and governments, using evidence of impact, to achieve sustainable, accredited field epidemiology training programs.
- Develop and implement a roadmap to coordinate existing networks and platforms for equitable field epidemiology training programs within countries and across the Asia-Pacific region, noting there is a global roadmap for FETP.
- Establish high-quality joint training that prioritises agreed on common areas and areas in which sectors (animal health, public health, environment, wildlife) need to learn from each other and have clear accreditation pathways and promote lifelong learning
It was written during the workshop from the outputs of workshop sessions, with review and advice from workshop participants, and endorsement by all workshop participants prior to workshop close. The workshop involved 72 participants representing government and non-government organisations, universities, and networks involved in FET in the Asia Pacific and Eastern Mediterranean regions.
COMMUNIQUE
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