Eunice Ouedraogo’s internship with the Poultry Losses and One Health Project led her to Cape Town, South Africa, where she presented her research at the world’s largest One Health forum in September 2024. She was able to participate in the 8th Annual World One Health Congress through a full scholarship provided by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). In Cape Town, Eunice joined over 1,400 participants and leading experts to share efforts and challenges related to improving the environment, food security, and human and animal health through a One Health approach. “It was my first time in Cape Town, South Africa, and my first time at an event like this,” she said. “It was really incredible.”
As a master’s student in Veterinary Public Health at the Interstate School of Veterinary Science and Medicine (École inter-États des sciences et médecine vétérinaires, EISMV) in Dakar, Senegal, Eunice embarked on her journey in August 2023 with the clear goal of completing her thesis and publishing a peer-reviewed article. Her internship opened a path of significant academic and personal growth. She collected and analyzed quantitative and qualitative data as part of a study on Burkina Faso’s poultry vaccine supply chain, an experience that will shape her future. She conducted the research as part of a research for development project funded through the Livestock Systems Innovation Lab.
Led by principal investigator Michel Dione, the project, Poultry Losses and One Health (POLOH): Reducing Losses and Zoonotic Risks Along the Poultry Value Chain Through a One Health Approach in Burkina Faso, seeks to improve the poultry vaccine supply chain for Newcastle disease and develop evidence-based recommendations to improve vaccine delivery and disease control. A study was conducted in Boussouma town, in the central north region, where families keep indigenous chicken for income, food security, and farmer’s livelihood.
This study involved a survey of 483 households, interviews with eight key actors in the vaccine supply chain and focus groups with men and women chicken farmers across four villages.
Dr. Dione knew the One Health Congress would be a valuable opportunity for Eunice to share her research and encouraged her to submit an abstract to present at the Congress. Her findings highlighted some challenges farmers faced with vaccination, including a shortage of community animal health workers, limited quality control over imported vaccines, large number of doses per vial, difficulties in maintaining cold chains in rural areas, and constraints vaccinators face in reaching farmers. She presented her findings to fellow researchers, who provided her with advice and exposed her to potential future research opportunities. “It was truly an incredible opportunity to be part of this scientific community,” she said. “Learning from all these experts has been essential for my future career and studies.”
With support from Dr. Dione and Dr. Robyn Alders, co-Pi on this project, Eunice also submitted a manuscript based on her research for peer review, which is expected to be published soon. Dr. Dione pointed out that few master’s level students manage to have their work published.
Through Dr. Alders, she was also connected to the global network of Women in One Health.
For the first time, Eunice participated in workshops and focus groups and interviewed farmers in rural settings. Beyond the fieldwork, she studied data analysis software and quantitative data management. These skills were crucial to analyze and write up her findings. She said the project improved her scientific writing skills, and participating in the One Health Congress boosted confidence in her scientific oral communication.
Beyond her personal achievements, Eunice’s journey highlights the larger impact of research for development initiatives.
Eunice plans to continue her work in One Health, inspired by the connections and insights gained through the project and participating in the One Health Congress. “My involvement in the project has been truly transformative. It helped me gain valuable technical skills,” she stated. “But I have also had the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone.”
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