Abstract
BackgroundThe Africa One Health University Network (AFROHUN) with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has since 2012 conducted pre and in-service One health (OH) trainings with the objective of improving global health security through a well-trained multidisciplinary health workforce. These trainings aim to build OH competencies among participants with the ultimate goal of promoting a multidisciplinary approach to solving global health challenges. Despite these trainings, there is limited documentation of the extent of acquisition and application of the One Health competencies at workplaces. This tracer study established the extent of acquisition and application of the One Health competencies by the AFROHUN-Uganda alumni.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among a random sample of 182 AFROHUN-Uganda alumni of 2013-2017. A blended approach of interviewer and self-administered was used during data collection. Virtual interviews using zoom and skype, and phone interviews with alumni were conducted when face-to-face interviews were not possible. Data were collected electronically, with the aid of the KoboCollect mobile application, pre-installed on android enabled devices. Data were analysed using STATA14.0.ResultsThe majority of respondents, 78.6% (143/182) had jobs that required application of One Health knowledge and skills, 95.6% (174/182) had learned employable skills from OH activities and 89.6% (163/182) had applied such skills when searching for employment. About 21.7% (34/180) to a very high extent required One Health field-specific theoretical knowledge at their workplaces, 27.4% (43/80) to a very high extent required One Health field-specific practical knowledge/skills, 42.7% (67/180) to a high extent required a change in attitude and perceptions towards working with people from different disciplines, 49.0% (77/180) required collaboration and networking skills, and more than half, 51.0% (80/180) required team building skills.ConclusionThe majority of One Health alumni to a very high extent acquired and applied One Health competences such as teamwork, effective communication, community entry and engagement, report writing and problem-solving skills. This study revealed the significant contribution of the AFROHUN Uganda OH activities towards supportive work environments, and highlights areas of improvement such as supporting the trainees to acquire people-management skills, innovation, and an entrepreneurial mind set.