By Tsaiping (Hannah) Liao
In collaboration with Veterinarians Without Borders (VWB), our study seeks to synthesize the most effective and sustainable strategies for Community Animal Health Worker (CAHW) programs worldwide. Utilizing participatory action methodology, we’re engaging in approximately 80 surveys and 15 semi-structured interviews with current or past CAHW program coordinators/implementers and workers. Our goal is to gather insights addressing systemic challenges, fortify community engagement, and ensure program efficacy, especially in remote and underserved regions with limited veterinary access. Embracing a comprehensive One Health and transdisciplinary perspective, our research aims to improve environmental, animal, and human health by focusing on key areas such as antibiotic education, medical waste management, emergency response, food safety, climate resilience, and wildlife welfare monitoring.
For data analysis, thematic analysis will reveal recurring patterns and pivotal aspects within the data, shedding light on challenges faced by CAHWs and communities. Concurrently, statistical techniques applied to quantitative survey data will uncover trends and correlations, enriching our understanding of program impact and efficacy. To mitigate researcher bias, reflexivity is practiced, acknowledging and addressing personal biases. Survey anonymity and confidentiality counteract social desirability bias, ensuring candid responses. Member checking validates findings, involving CAHW members and stakeholders in transcript and report reviews.
Although our project is in the recruitment and method development stage, insights gleaned from the literature review and collaboration with VWB and CAHW international project coordinators from VSF have equipped us with valuable background information and first-stage data to present. For future suggestions, we encourage organizations and groups to implement and practice their CAHW program using this framework, encouraging continuous knowledge translation and enhancing different knowledge holders to build on this framework based on different circumstances, social contexts, and any other associated variables.
