Building capacities in Caribbean animal health in the : The VEP (Veterinary Epidemiologist / Para-Epidemiologist) Project

Disease surveillance and control within the Caribbean has historically been difficult. The region is made up of over 31 countries, territories, and protectorates, with concomitant differences in language, culture, and historical experiences. Given the diversity of challenges the region faces in terms of disease introduction and spread, there is a need for longer-term, sustainable training in epidemiology, surveillance, and emergency response. The Veterinary Epidemiology/Para-epidemiology Project (VEP) was a four-year, capacity-building project conducted in 9 countries in the Caribbean region: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Project participants (10) received training in 7 key domains: epidemiologic methods, disease surveillance, diagnostic tests and sample handling, emergency preparedness and response, data management, communication and coordination, and management and leadership. Both didactic and hands-on trainings were emphasized, and all participants were required to complete an epidemiologic study in their respective countries. Project participants were mentored by experienced epidemiologists in the design and implementation of their studies. Lessons learned were identified which contributed to the success of the project overall. Coordination of the technical component of the project through the regional network for animal health, CaribVET, ensured that the project had both national and regional relevancy. Although costly, the VEP brought the participants together frequently and provided opportunities to build relationships, which strengthened cross-border communication and collaboration in the region overall. (Texte integral)