One Health and vector-borne diseases module
This month, ECDC organises an online training module on One Health and vector-borne diseases for the Mediterranean and Black Sea Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (MediPIET). It takes place from 2–4 May and 15–17 May 2023 and focuses on One Health approaches to field epidemiology in the MediPIET partner countries.
One Health is an approach that recognises the interdependence of human, animal and ecological health. It calls for collaborative efforts between multiple disciplines at local, national, and global levels, to attain optimal health for people, animals, and the environment.
This module aims to provide MediPIET fellows with an introduction to the One Health concept and its importance within field epidemiology. It focuses on different practical applications of One Health principles in the designing of integrated surveillance systems, conducting outbreak investigations, and developing preparedness plans for emerging public health threats related to zoonoses, food safety and antimicrobial resistance.
As a lead-up to the module, the fellows have conducted interviews with colleagues from their own institutes to better understand how One Health programmes are implemented in their respective countries in the areas of food safety, vector-borne prevention and control, and antimicrobial resistance. These interviews will form the basis for group discussions on how One Health principles are currently being applied in MediPIET partner countries.
The module includes lectures, case studies, simulation exercises, and group discussions with experts in the field. At the end of the module, the fellows will formulate ideas on how to improve One Health programmes at their own institutes. This will include an overview of the current implementation of the One Health programmes, identification of their strengths and challenges, and possible improvements to this work.
By the end of the module, fellows will be able to explain the concept of One Health and its importance within field epidemiology. They will be able to apply One Health principles when designing disease surveillance systems, conducting outbreak investigations, and developing preparedness plans for emerging health threats.
Furthermore, the fellows will be able to explain the application of One Health principles to food safety programmes and antimicrobial resistance. Finally, they will learn how to describe the legal, operational and collaborative challenges to One Health approaches, and formulate ideas to improve One Health programmes.
