INTERRISK: AN INTERNATIONAL ONE HEALTH MASTER PROGRAM IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

International organizations (OIE, FAO, WHO) have recognized that strengthening One Health capacity in Southeast Asia (SEA) requires a range of in-service, academic and short course training programs for biologists, human and animal health care providers as well as related health disciplines.
In 2014, a new international master program named “InterRisk: Assessment and management of health risks at the human, animal and ecosystem interface” will be opened in Thailand. This master is organized jointly by Kasetsart University (Bangkok, Thailand), the Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse (France) and CIRAD (International Center in Agricultural Research for Development, France).

This master’s curriculum has been designed to fit the key competencies identified during a regional web-survey carried out in 2011 across members of international organizations, academic, public and private sectors in SEA. Some modules will also be opened to professionals engaged in a continuing education program, with the possibility of e-learning courses. Double accreditation from French and Thai universities will ensure education quality and diploma validity.

Efforts to educate students in a “One Health” perspective and at a regional scale will be made, by making veterinary, medical and biosciences students work together on real cross-country problems. Also, special attention will be given during the courses to community-based participatory actions. Innovative pedagogical tools (active learning, real case problem-solving, field visits, and computer-based modules) will be promoted. Through teachings and internships, students will interact with professionals from the private agricultural sector, international organisations, governmental agencies, NGOs and research institutes. The master will initiate the creation of professional social networks at a regional level.

In a context of trade globalization and climate change, “InterRisk” graduates will be able to conceptualise and design holistic programs integrating epidemiological, ecological, and socio-economic approaches to tailor public health and animal diseases control policy decisions to the actual SEA situation.