Community Participatory Approach to Design, Test, and Implement Interventions That Reduce Risk of Bat-Borne Disease...

Area of Science:

• One Health
• Zoonotic Disease Epidemiology
• Community-Based Participatory Research

Background:

• Zoonotic virus spillover from bats poses a significant public health threat.
• Bat guano farming communities are at high risk for bat-borne disease transmission.
• Previous interventions lacked community engagement and long-term sustainability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reduce zoonotic virus spillover risk from bats to humans in Cambodia.
• To collaboratively design, test, and refine sustainable biosafety and hygiene practices.
• To promote adoption of safe behaviors and understanding of zoonotic diseases.

Main Methods:

• Utilized participatory tools like Outcome Mapping and Trials of Improved Practices.
• Engaged local experts and community members in intervention design and refinement.
• Tracked progress and evaluated intervention effectiveness over three-month trials.

Main Results:

• Observed improvements in participant knowledge, attitudes, and risk reduction practices.
• Key motivators for adoption included fear of disease, family well-being, and COVID-19 experience.
• Community-driven approach led to a sense of ownership and tailored solutions.

Conclusions:

• Community engagement is vital for the long-term sustainability of zoonotic disease interventions.
• Improved access to biosafety resources and routine surveillance are recommended.
• The model is applicable for mitigating infectious disease spillover in similar settings.