MSc in Global One Health: diseases at the human-animal interface

I studied the Master of Science in Tropical Animal Health course at ITM from 2014-2015 which was supported by a DGD Scholarship. What has influenced my decision to choose ITM for my studies? I had senior colleagues at the National Institute for Veterinary Research (NIVR) who had done their PhD at ITM, and I saw how happy they were to study at ITM and how successful researchers they became at NIVR later.

I really liked the teaching style of the professors who gave us the lectures, including theory and practice. I got strong support from supervisor, Pierre Dorny, and felt that the working environment at ITM has always been very encouraging to the students.

I have worked at the National Center for Veterinary Diagnosis, Department of Animal Health, Vietnam since 2008, where I acquired good team working and team leading skills. Throughout my PhD studies at ITM (I obtained my degree in 2022), I had the opportunity to put my epidemiological skills to practice and to further improve them. I worked on pig-transmitted Taenia spp. tapeworms in Vietnam, their epidemiology and risks to the human population. In Vietnam, pork is the most commonly consumed meat, and appropriate implementation of regulations to ensure safe meat is often lacking. I really liked the format of the sandwich PhD because I could combine field work in Vietnam with lab work at ITM, although I had to carry out some of the lab work in Vietnam due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing travel restrictions. I had a truly amazing life in ITM: I had the  chance to participate in cultural events, in the New Year’s party of ITM, and I made many new friends.

I believe that the knowledge and experience I acquired during my studies will help me a lot in my future. I hope to work in projects using the One Health approach and on food safety which is not only important in Vietnam but also in the world.

Completing the MSc Global One Health: Diseases at the human-animal interface programme at ITM was a transformative experience for me. Choosing ITM for my studies was an easy decision due to its unique blend of scientific excellence and societal impact, deeply rooted in partnerships and collaborations across Africa. As a Kenyan veterinarian working in the ecologically diverse Kenyan Coast, I encountered numerous challenges between farmers and animals, causing significant economic impact. Despite having some knowledge of the One Health concept, I felt a gap in my understanding of how to implement lasting changes and address the root causes of these issues. ITM's programme provided the perfect platform to bridge this gap, offering a comprehensive approach that goes beyond theoretical knowledge.

What I particularly valued in the course was its personalised approach, allowing students to choose elective courses tailored to their desired niche. The well-structured curriculum, with a balanced blend of online and in-person sessions, provided a practical and hands-on learning experience. The MSc Global One Health programme played a pivotal role in shaping my current career path. The diverse implementation skills acquired during the course, coupled with specific modules such as serology, have been instrumental in opening new horizons and guiding my trajectory toward impactful solutions in the realm of biotechnology.

Daniel Molina Morant is currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Global One Health. Find out what his experience is like:

Successfully completing the MSc in Tropical Animal Health (now known as MSc in Global One Health) at ITM was a pivotal milestone in my career, equipping me with the crucial skills needed to tackle complex health issues. ITM’s outstanding reputation in zoonoses and public health made it the perfect environment to immerse myself in cutting-edge tropical disease research.

Prior to enrolling, I was a faculty member and researcher in veterinary sciences, responsible for shaping aspiring veterinarians and conducting animal disease burden research in the Philippines. However, I recognised a gap in my understanding of applied epidemiology and One Health concepts, which limited the scope of my work. I also recognised that research in this field is continually evolving, and I was determined to position myself at the forefront of these advancements. Attending the programme bridged this gap, enhancing both my practical skills and technical knowledge.

One of the program’s standout features was its flexibility, allowing me to balance work and study while tailoring my coursework to my interests. For example, I focused on epidemiological courses, receiving invaluable hands-on support from Veronique Dermauw in developing my R programming skills. Moreover, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to hone my wet lab skills at the ITM Mycobacteriology lab, thanks to the exceptional guidance of my supervisor, Leen Rigouts.

My time at ITM was not only academically enriching but also personally rewarding. I built lasting friendships with peers from around the world and gained exposure to diverse cultures.

The knowledge and experience I gained at ITM have been instrumental in my transition to being a PhD student in Infectious and Tropical Diseases, where I am now applying my learned skills to advance animal health and infectious disease research.