Training researchers virtually when supplies can cross borders but people cannot

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, supplies can cross international borders, but the same is not always true for people. The Epidemiology and control of peste des petits ruminants project team recently ordered diagnostic test kits to be used across all six study countries in East and West Africa.

In addition to ordering supplies, beginning a new research project also requires training researchers. In the past, we would organize in-person training workshops. Veterinary activities are considered essential services in many countries which allows research to be done domestically, but international movement would be difficult for the trainers due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions. Thus, instead of the usual in-person training, we designed an online training workshop.