Dr.
Pham Duc Phuc
Vietnam One Health University Network; Center for Public Health and Ecosystem Research, Hanoi University of Public Health, Vietnam
Title of the talk: The Contribution of the Vietnam One Health University Network in Equipping Human Resources to Address Global Health Security Challenges
Abstract
In recent years, the emergence of pandemic threats such as highly pathogenic avian influenza, SARS, COVID-19, and Ebola, alongside other global challenges like climate change, urbanization, food safety, and antimicrobial resistance, has significantly propelled the One Health (OH) approach. Recognizing the urgency, universities have initiated OH curricula to equip students with the requisite knowledge and skills for global health security, marking a critical step in fostering a new generation capable of responding to these complex health threats. In Vietnam, the OH approach has been partially integrated into medical and veterinary curricula. Despite these efforts, the current offerings fall short of addressing the comprehensive needs of OH core competencies (OHCCs). It is imperative for universities to either develop new subjects or enhance the incorporation of OH modules into existing courses to fill this gap.
Our approach involved several key activities: reviewing the existing curriculum, creating a framework for OH education, developing training materials, testing teaching tools, and applying these resources within training programs based on the OH approach.
An extensive review was conducted across 26 universities, focusing on their current training programs in relation to 7 OHCCs and 8 OH technical modules. A mandatory OH module was implemented for students and current professionals at both provincial and community levels. VOHUN has successfully trained 506 lecturers, 73,454 students, and 2,319 health and veterinary staff. The active participation of students in VOHUN programs has been instrumental in ensuring effective early detection and mitigation of biological threats, whether naturally occurring, accidental, or deliberate.
Through the implementation of this competency-based framework, VOHUN is not only preparing the OH workforce for global health security challenges but is also collaborating with government institutions to strengthen the One Health Workforce in Vietnam. This initiative marks a significant stride towards building a resilient health infrastructure capable of confronting future health threats.
Biography
Dr. Phuc holds a Medical Degree from Hanoi Medical University (1995) and a Master’s degree in International Health from the University of Copenhagen (2003). He also attained a PhD degree (2011) from the University of Basel, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute. He has been developing and participating in different initiatives with national and international partners to generate funding for research and training programs on health risks related to agriculture, livestock production, food system, water, wastewater, and sanitation, especially at the interface between human, animal, and environment, using a One Health approach.
Publications: Researchgate Website ORCID