RxOH 2023 Alum: Kemah Vivian Lymas Tegli

My name is Kemah Vivian Lymas Tegli.

I am a Liberian living in Liberia. I hold a master’s degree in public health with emphasis in Epidemiology. I currently work for Arica One Health University network on the USAID funded project call STOP Spillover which is a One Health focus.

With the experience of Ebola that took away the lives of more than 4000 people, the challenge to eradicate Lassa fever, and a relatively new One Health platform in Liberia, I needed this training to help me effectively collaborate with key One Health stakeholders in Liberia to advocate for the implementation of a full skill One Health programs that will equally affect all sectors (Human, animal, and environment) to prevent the next spillover in Liberia. Even though I work in the One Health sector in my country, I have not had the opportunity to attend any One health seminars and trainings. The Rx One Health is my first One Health training which has enhanced my understanding of One Health and strengthened my leadership and professional skills in building strong partnerships with key One Health stakeholders in Liberia.

The acceptance into the course and the scholarship provided me was the best thing that happened to me this year. I didn’t have to pay for my plane ticket, my lodging, and feeding while attending the course. All I needed to do during the training was to pay attention and learn. Everything else was taken care of. I want to thank the sponsors for the opportunity afforded me to attend the training free of charge. I also want to thank our enthusiastic and energetic organizers and planners for putting all this together.

The Rx One Health training has provided me with basic knowledge of applied One Health. The course has completely transformed me and given me a holistic view of One Health. It was well layout with good teaching syllabus that is well organized and Structured. The teaching staff are well experienced with great sense of humor willing to provide additional coaching and mentorship where necessary.

Rx One Health has provided me with the unique ability to work alongside a diverse group of professionals working in animals, humans, and the environmental health, all of whom are important in solving complex community health challenges. All the teachings were done through hands-on learning experiences, case studies, lectures, group discussions and field exercises. All the information shared with us highlighted the one health model and its interconnectedness. This course has shown me how important it is to collaborate with people in different fields.

The presentation on Social Determinants of health which thought me that an individual’s health is not only impacted by whether one can access quality health care, but is also shaped by the ability to access healthy foods, as well as the safety and sanitary conditions of one’s environment. Core competencies of One health linking interdisciplinary teamwork, systemic thinking, and a basic understanding of the approach.

Hasting was incredible, we visited different sites including the Marine Wildlife Veterinary Care and Research Center (MWVCRC) in Santa Cruz where I saw necrosis been performed for the first time but also the boat ride in Elkhorn Slough in Monterey to see and learn about the sea otters and wild birds. We also stop at ALBA in Salinas, an organization which creates opportunities for low-income field laborers through land-based training in organic farm management, helping them advance their careers or pursue the dream of farm ownership. It was incredible listening to testimonials of individual farmers about their experiences and how some have been able to upgrade from field laborers to farm owners.

Clover valley, a beautiful and unique natural reserve. A place to relax and reflect. At Clover valley I learnt the steps in donning and duffing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), I learnt how to trap and sample rodents including data entry. This learning experience has prepared me to provide technical support as a team lead on STOP Spillover rodent trapping activity in Liberia. Sightseeing was another great experience at Clover valley. Getting to see the wet-meadow ecosystem consisting of mixed grasslands, sage brush chapparal, and pine forests was great. We were thought that the meadows have the ability to retain ground and surface waters. This is mind blowing. Something I didn’t know throughout my work in the One Health. Also, I had the opportunity to visit the forest in Clover valley, saw the wildlife tree, and trees that were highly hit by the wildfire, beautiful flowers, and their benefit to the ecosystem.

The capstone project was a huge experience, educative and a good way to identify problems and suggest solutions. We worked in groups and each group selected one SDG as a project. I was privileged to work in a team of 3 persons considering SDG goal four (4) (Quality Education) and using Liberia as a case study. It was a privilege for me to tell Liberia’s story about the lack of vet which is hampering the implementation of a full OH approach to problem solving at the interface of people, animals, plants, and ecosystems which calls for increase knowledge, skills, and expertise across disciplines and requires discipline-based experts to work collaboratively.

It was great meeting people from different disciplines. Learning from them about their different cultures humbles me and increases my level of tolerance. Even though we came from different disciplines and backgrounds we had a common goal, and we collaborated to achieve it.  Connecting with people from 10 counties around the world helped me to build lasting relationships in hopes that one day I could utilize my network for future global health work. This was all made possible by the Rx One Health course.

I am glad I was accepted for the Rx One Health course. I am glad I made it to UC Davis California.

It was an excellent opportunity to expand my professional network with colleagues and most likely with the institution. Thank you, Dr. Jennie, Dr. Woutrina, Dr. Brian and all the teaching staff for a job well done. Thank you.