Enhancing data analysis skills for researchers from Vietnam and Laos on antimicrobial resistance use data in livestock systems

Vietnam and Laos face significant challenges in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), intensified by the inappropriate use of antibiotics in healthcare and agriculture. The misuse of antibiotics in poultry farming has led to the emergence of resistant bacteria, posing serious threats to animals, humans, and environmental health.

Recognizing these challenges, the CGIAR One Health Initiative (OHI) and the ASEAN-CGIAR Innovate for Food and Nutrition Security Regional Program have prioritized research on AMR and antimicrobial use (AMU) in Vietnam and Laos respectively. This research is achieved through collaboration between the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), and national partners in Vietnam (National Institute of Veterinary Research of Vietnam, NIVR) and Laos (National University of Laos, NuoL) carrying out a survey on antibiotic use (AMU) practices in semi-intensive poultry farms in Thai Nguyen province, Vietnam (October 2023-April 2024) and across small to medium scale poultry farms in Vientiane, Bolikhamxay and Luangprabang provinces of Laos (February-April 2024).

As part of capacity building for involved partners, ILRI Vietnam organized a four-day workshop (25-27 June 2024) to train data analysts from NIVR and NUoL on processing and statistical analysis of the collected field data. Trainees also included ILRI PhD students and SEAOHUN (SE Asia One Health University Network) fellows. The training was facilitated by Dr. Dishon Muloi and Dr. Sinh Dang, epidemiologists from ILRI's Animal and Human Health program, and included both theoretical and practical sessions.

Participants learned various principles of data processing and cleaning among others. The training commenced with a description of the FarmUSE survey tool. The trainers emphasized the importance of systematic data collection, exploration, and statistical analysis, particularly regarding how different survey sections and variables link to the study outcome of antibiotic use on farms. The training underscored the need for contextual data interpretation to explain the findings in relation to the perceptions, knowledge, and practices of farmers, as well as animal productivity (economic factors). Participants engaged in discussions about surveillance systems, data types and exploration, missing data, descriptive and inferential statistics, casual diagrams, analysis plans, hypotheses, types of statistical tests, and more.

The session concluded with designing AMU and AMR surveillance systems, including objectives, target populations, geographical locations, and sampling strategies. Dr. Muloi and Dr. Dang stressed that strong data management, coupled with rigorous analysis, interpretation, and clear communication are vital for successful national surveillance efforts.

Dr. Vannaphone Phouthana, acting dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, NUoL, highlighted the regional impact and shared that "our collaboration with CGIAR and participation in this training strengthens our capacity to address AMR challenges in Laos. The skills and knowledge gained are vital for advancing our research and informing policy decisions."

The CGIAR One Health Initiative (2022-2024) continues to support capacity development as part of its commitment to improving global health through integrated research on human, animal and environmental health while the ASEAN-CGIAR Innovate for Food and Nutrition Security Regional Program (2023-2024) aims to enhance regional collaboration in the field of AMR/AMU and One Health under its intervention package IP 1 (Regenerative Agriculture & Aquaculture Practices and Judicious Agro-Chemical Use) and 5 (Transboundary Pest and Diseases).