Development and Application of a Epidemiology Needs Assessment Tool for Animal Disease Intelligence in Asia

A semi-structured, semi-quantitative MS Excel© based assessment tool was developed and pilot tested to assess needs and gaps at national, subnational and local levels in Viet Nam and Indonesia through consultative meetings. Capacity elements that were assessed at all three levels include institutional structures and relationships, human resource development, disease programs, surveillance, outbreak investigation, epidemiology training conducted, training resources, post-training follow up, training needs, skills matrix gap analysis, case study materials and evidence of peer-reviewed publications. Responses under each element were mapped to systematically develop a final report that was provided to key government technical staff and decision makers to inform national strategic plans for epidemiology capacity development.