Strengthening Veterinary Workforce in Cambodia for Infectious Disease Detection and Response (preprint)

ABSTRACT

An efficient veterinary workforce is paramount for global health security as most emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic. Being a hotspot of disease outbreaks there is a need to strengthen the veterinary field epidemiology capacity in Cambodia. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for a strong health security workforce in the Asia-Pacific. This study was conducted with an aim to understand veterinary epidemiology training gaps in Cambodia.A mixed method study using a concurrent triangulation design was conducted targeting the veterinary workforce. Univariable and multivariable regression and an inductive, thematic analysis was used.  Survey responses from 108 veterinarians indicated that most (70%) respondents did not have any training, while only 6.0% had been to a Field Epidemiology Training Program for Veterinarians (FETPV). Lack of formal training in epidemiology was associated with non-participation in outbreak response (P< 0.05).  The key informants suggested system level factors, limited staff, and perceived disconnect between the central and community level as likely barriers to efficient outbreak response. The need for epidemiology training of veterinarians targeting knowledge consolidation and skill development through experiential learning was emphasized. Our assessment recommends that, a multifaceted approach targeting pedagogical and structural aspects of veterinary field epidemiology in Cambodia is required.