Abstract ID: 153
Authors:
MUSLIMAH ITHNIN
Nur Indah Ahmad
Mohammad Farhan Rusli
Latiffah Hassan
Tongkorn Meeyam
Thura Kyaw
Affiliations:
School of Health Sciences, KPJ Healthcare University; Department of Veterinary Pathology & Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia; Malaysia One Health University Network (MyOHUN), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia; Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN), Muang, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Abstract:The Competency Framework and Evaluation Toolkit, developed under the One Health Workforce Next Generation (OHW-NG) initiative, supports cross-sectoral, skill-based training and evaluation. This study assessed core One Health competencies among Malaysia’s workforce. Identifying competency gaps is vital for evidence-based human resource development. A One Health Core Competency (OHCC) assessment questionnaire was developed based on the Competency Framework and Evaluation Toolkit. The tool was adapted for local relevance, incorporating six priority domains identified by experts from both government and academia. The questionnaire was administered to participants of the 2023 and 2024 MyOHUN Field Epidemiology Training and Tabletop Simulation Exercise Programme. Participants self-assessed their proficiency using a five-point scale, ranging from 0 (“Not relevant”) to 4 (“Proficient”). Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. A total of 123 participants completed the survey. Most were female (68%), aged 30 39 (62%) and had no prior OH experience (64%). Respondents were primarily from human health (62%), followed by animal health (26%), environmental health (8%), and others (4%). Limited or no knowledge were reported in OH Risk Analysis (72%), Principles and Concepts (62%), and Epidemiology (60%). The remaining three domains also showed over 50% reporting limited or no knowledge. Age was negatively correlated with OH Principles and Concepts (r² = -0.194, p=0.032). While years of OH experience were positively correlated with OH Epidemiology (r² = -0.182, p=0.044) and OH Risk Analysis (r² = 0.193, p=0.032). The assessment found substantial gaps in OH competencies, especially in risk analysis, epidemiology, and OH concepts. This highlights the value of using competency-based assessments to guide capacity-building efforts. Addressing these gaps will enhance Malaysia’s readiness for health threats and offer a model to strengthen OH workforce capacity in other regions, supporting global health security and sustainability.
Keywords: Global Health Workforce, One Health, Core Competencies, Malaysia, MyOHUN, workforce
