International course on surveillance and control of rabies

Description

This training is targeted to physicians, veterinarians, biologists, epidemiologists and public health agents already involved in the fight against zoonoses. Preference will be given to candidates from South-East Asia, but applications from other Asian countries will also be carefully considered.

Objectives:

• To collect, analyze, and use epidemiologic data on rabies.
• To improve access to post-exposure prophylaxis in humans.
• To promote rabies vaccination in dogs in order to control rabies.
• To strengthen communication and raise awareness on rabies in Asia.
• To identify challenges and opportunities for rabies control and elimination in Asia and develop global strategic plans.
• To create a regional rabies control network.

GENERAL ORGANISATION

• Participants will have access to theoretical modules and tutorials via dedicated web pages (70 hours of personal work over 2 months). The online course will be followed by a 10-day practical session in Hô Chi Minh-Ville in Vietnam.
• This practical session will be composed of practical work (virological diagnosis), demonstrations (canine vaccination campaign, KAP survey...), discussions with experts and conferences.

THE PROGRAM

Selection of participants: CV, cover letter, letter of recommendation.

Theoretical training: online teaching, articles to be annotated, access to reference documents and guidlines, group work on writing an integrated rabies control programme, assistance in writing a scientific article.

Practical training:

- Module 1: rabies surveillance

- Module 2: management of rabies in humans

- Module 3: biological diagnosis (theory + lab work)

- Module 4: Canine rabies control (theory + field activities: KAP study, fixed and mobile vaccination, capture of stray dogs, analysis of generated data)

- Module 5: Education, awareness and community participation

- Module 6: Other tools (modeling, phylogeny, IBCM module)

- Module 7: Feedback from group work on rabies control programmes

- Training validation and closing ceremony

Application

Registration fees and local expenses (accommodation, food) will be covered by the organizing committee. No per diem will be granted to participants. However, some travel grants may be awarded by the selection committee.