The Asia-Pacific Epidemiology Network for Training, utilizing the Veterinary workforce, and Sharing evidence for Trust (ENTRVST) aims to build a peer-to-peer network for animal health professionals across the region, dedicated to strengthening the veterinary epidemiology workforce and promoting epidemiological practices. It was conceived during the regional consultation workshop on veterinary epidemiology capacity development held in Bangkok, Thailand, in April 2023. Representatives from nine Member Nations and international partners articulated a shared commitment to revitalizing regional veterinary epidemiology efforts.
Established and managed by FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) with support from the resource partners, ENTRVST leverages virtual and in-person modalities to empower peer-to-peer networking, advancing workforce capacity, knowledge exchange and evidence-informed decision-making. More broadly, the initiative empowers animal health professionals to tackle health threats more effectively, contributing to One Health priorities and supporting sustainable livestock transformation.Mission objectives:
- Enhance professional capacity in veterinary epidemiology
- Facilitate the exchange of knowledge, expertise and best practices
- Advocate for the application of epidemiology in evidence-informed decision-making
- Support continuing professional development and lifelong learning
What ENTRVST offers
1. ENTRVST virtual hub
A centralized digital platform, hosted on the FAO Virtual Learning Centre (VLC), that offers streamlined free access to learning resources from FAO and other organizations. Active engagement is encouraged by sharing resources, best practices and feedback on topics of interest.
2. Scientific webinars
ENTRVST hosts regular scientific webinars through its virtual hub, featuring leading experts and practitioners to present the latest research, share best practices and discuss regional animal health challenges. The webinars aim to facilitate knowledge sharing and promote evidence-based practice to tackle regional priorities within the One Health framework.
3. VetEpi connect
A dedicated space within ENTRVST virtual hub for fostering professional dialogue, knowledge sharing and collaborative learning among users. Users can engage in meaningful discussions, exchange experiences, and strengthen connections within the veterinary epidemiology community. It also provides a platform for Q&A sessions following scientific webinars.
4. FieldCast
FieldCast is a dedicated space within the ENTRVST virtual hub where members can record and share short video podcasts, highlighting real-world experiences in veterinary epidemiology. From field practices and case studies to fascinating epidemiological research, this platform enables knowledge exchange and collaboration within the ENTRVST community.
5. Workshops and in-person events
ENTRVST plans to hold annual meetings and regular stakeholder consultations to further strengthen regional collaboration and foster mentorship. In-person capacity building initiatives, such as technical training workshops, may be conducted to support ENTRVST objectives.
6. Learning management systems (under development)
VetEpi Learning (VEL) is an online platform designed to streamline training management and mentoring for the field epidemiology training programmes. It will first be piloted with the Regional Field Epidemiology Training Programme for Veterinarians (RFETPV), and can be adapted for other national field epidemiology training programme.
7. Epidemiology workforce management system (under development)
VetEpi Workforce System (VEWS) is visually driven dashboard database that enables users to monitor epidemiology workforce competencies, track capacity building outcomes and manage human resources to support government services.
Who can benefit from ENTRVST?
ENTRVST is a dynamic peer-to-peer network designed to support:
- Alumni, trainees and mentors of the regional and national in-service field epidemiology training programmes for animal health and One Health professionals, as well as other field epidemiology training initiatives.
- Professionals from the public and private sectors interested in veterinary epidemiology and its applications.
- Academics and researchers seeking collaboration and knowledge sharing in veterinary epidemiology.
- Veterinary students interested in veterinary epidemiology.
Stories from the field
ENTRVST virtual hub
Discover the tools, resources and collaborative opportunities available to professionals and enthusiasts in veterinary epidemiologists across Asia and the Pacific.
Join our hub today and become part of a community dedicated to advancing veterinary epidemiology and animal health!