Experiential Learning Through the Student Practicum: An Assessment of Potential Pathways for Zoonotic Disease Transmission in Bajura, Nepal

As a Research Intern to Helen Keller International (HKI), an international non-governmental organization focused on combating the causes and consequences of blindness and malnutrition around the world, I applied the knowledge that I have gained through my public health coursework to compete an assessment of potential pathways of zoonotic disease transmission in Bajura, Nepal. The purpose of my internship was to understand how families in Bajura, Nepal, manage their livestock and the considerations they take into account when caring for their young children.

To carry out the assessment I completed the following activities: 1) completed a desk review of recent documents on the One Health initiative, 2) designed a qualitative assessment focused on mixed farming households with young children  3) conducted three focus group discussions, three household mapping activities, three in-depth interviews and one key informant interview 4) analyzed the information collected from the field, and 5) prepared a report on key risk factors for human health with suggested areas for a potential public health intervention. 

The outcome of the assessment identified key opportunities for the implementation of an integrative approach to zoonotic disease control for both livestock and humans. Based on learning from these interviews the following actions were identified: 1) education on poultry cooping methods, 2) overall improvement of household, shed, and outdoor sanitation, 3) education on food and milk safety, and 4) proper disposal of livestock waste. These results will help HKI in designing future monitoring tools for their poultry program and provide information on the design of zoonotic disease prevention interventions in Bajura, Nepal. Through my practicum experience I was able to enhance the skills and knowledge I have acquired through my public health studies. This opportunity furthered my understanding of public health field work and helped me grow as a leader in international public health.