Training need assessment for a master training program in Environmental Health program in Vietnam

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health Sciences
• Public Health Workforce Development
• Educational Program Planning

Background:

• Vietnam faces a critical shortage of trained environmental health professionals.
• Existing environmental health practices are fragmented across different sectors.
• There is a lack of specialized postgraduate training in environmental health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify essential environmental health tasks and core competencies for the Vietnamese workforce.
• To assess the demand for a Master of Environmental Health (MEH) training program.
• To inform the development of environmental health education in Vietnam.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods cross-sectional study conducted in 2017.
• Qualitative methods included a literature review, 29 in-depth interviews, workshops, and expert meetings.
• Quantitative data collected via postal questionnaires from 298 environmental health staff.

Main Results:

• Various environmental health tasks are performed, but no dedicated training program exists.
• Thirteen core competencies for an MEH program were identified.
• Strong consensus on the urgent need for Master's level environmental health training.

Conclusions:

• Developing a Master of Public Health with an Environmental Health stream is a viable short-term solution.
• Establishing a dedicated Master of Environmental Health program is recommended for the long term.
• Investment in environmental health education is crucial for strengthening Vietnam's public health infrastructure.