RESUMEN
Introduction: The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Day 1 Competencies for Graduating Veterinarians provide a standard framework to guide Veterinary Educational Establishments (VEEs) in improving their veterinary public health and population medicine curricula. However, pursuing a curriculum revision to incorporate these standards may be daunting, especially for institutions with limited resources or experience. This manuscript describes a methodology for targeted curriculum revision specifically focused on the WOAH Day 1 Competencies. Phases of the AID-1 process: The Assessment and Implementation of WOAH Day 1 Competencies (AID-1C) is a six-step, cyclical, collaborative methodology that encompasses a series of tools and processes that help a VEE to evaluate their curriculum, identify and prioritize gaps, and develop and implement an action plan based on the results. The six phases of the AID-1C process include: (1) Assessment of the proficiency of the VEE's graduates in Day 1 Competencies using a structured Evaluation Tool; (2) A systematic curricular review and evaluation; (3) Identification and prioritization of interventions through a group problem-solving and prioritization exercise called Focus Forward; (4) Design and development of interventions to address identified gaps; (5) Curricular implementation; and (6) Monitoring and evaluation. The AID-1C methodology relies upon active involvement of senior students, recent graduates, faculty, instructional staff, and employers throughout the process. Conclusion: The AID-1C methodology provides a systematic, participatory, collaborative approach that simplifies the planning and execution of the curricular revision, making a complex process more manageable. This enables VEEs to improve their curricula, while moving toward harmonization with WOAH standards. The result is a curriculum that allows a VEE to train well-rounded and competent veterinarians, with the requisite skills to support the veterinary services in their country.
RESUMEN
Introduction: International organizations now actively promote and implement One Health collaborative approaches to prevent, detect, and control diseases in humans and animals, recognizing the critical importance of the veterinary and agricultural sectors. Moreover, Veterinary Services are chronically under-resourced, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Given the importance of National Veterinary Services to food security, nutrition, poverty alleviation, and global health security, strengthening veterinary capacity is a priority for the international community. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) outlines a set of minimum competencies veterinarians need to support National Veterinary Services effectively. To improve the quality of veterinary education, Ethiopia has developed a new 2020 national curriculum that is harmonized with the WOAH competencies. Methods: A mixed methods needs assessment was conducted to identify barriers and challenges that Ethiopian veterinary medicine programs have faced in implementing the new WOAH-harmonized national curriculum. Representatives from active veterinary programs granting a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree were invited to share their experiences via an online survey and follow-up focus group discussion. Results: Fourteen veterinary programs, representing 93% of eligible programs nationwide, participated in the needs assessment. Quantitative analysis indicated that the most difficult topics associated with the new curriculum included Organization of Veterinary Services (Competency 3.1), Inspection and Certification Procedures (3.2), and practical applications of the regulatory framework for disease prevention and control (multiple competencies). Challenges associated with specific instructional methodologies, particularly the facilitation of off-site (private and public sector) student training, were also perceived as barriers to implementation. Focus group discussions elucidated reasons for these challenges and included limitations in faculty expertise, resource constraints (e.g., supplies, infrastructure), and access to off-site facilities for hands-on teaching. Conclusion: The results of this needs assessment will be used to identify and prioritize solutions to implementation challenges, helping Ethiopian veterinary medicine programs move the new WOAH-harmonized curriculum from theory to practice. As veterinarians are integral partners in advancing One Health, strengthening the capacity of Veterinary Services can ultimately safeguard animal and human health, grow economies, and improve lives.