A perspective paper published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science highlights a critical limitation in conventional antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mitigation: while veterinary professionals frequently demonstrate high awareness of AMR, theoretical knowledge does not automatically translate into prudent prescribing practices on farms. Drawing on field experiences from Zambia’s poultry sector, the authors present a structured framework and competency translation model showing how competency-based continuing professional development (CPD) can effectively bridge this knowledge-practice gap.
The challenge
In many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), veterinary decision-making takes place in complex socio-economic environments marked by limited diagnostic infrastructure, commercial production pressures, weak regulatory enforcement, and strong client demand for immediate treatment. Traditional CPD programs heavily rely on classroom lectures and information dissemination. While these raise awareness, they fail to equip practitioners with the practical clinical reasoning, diagnostic skills, and communication techniques required to navigate complex field trade-offs without overusing antimicrobials.
The approach
To address this gap, researchers from the University of Zambia, in partnership with national institutions and supported by ICARS, designed a five-stage competency translation model tailored for resource-constrained settings:
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Multidisciplinary team assembly: Uniting experts across academia, government, private practice, and industry.
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Competency mapping: Defining observable professional behaviours across core domains (clinical reasoning, biosecurity, diagnostic sampling, prudent drug use, and farmer advisory skills).
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Curriculum structuring: Developing 9 modular units that can be flexibly adapted for different target groups or production systems.
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Learner-centred resources: Creating integrated trainee manuals, facilitator guides, and visual tools based on adult learning principles.
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Pilot testing: Delivering a 7-day experiential pilot training for 20 frontline Veterinary Paraprofessionals (VPPs) across five districts.
Key takeaways
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Measurable learning gains: Pre- and post-training evaluations demonstrated an increase in participant competency scores from 20/24 (83%) to 21/24 (87.5%), with marked improvements in identifying disease risk factors, formulating preventive strategies, and justifying prescribing choices.
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Identifying educational gaps: Pre-training assessments revealed critical gaps in undergraduate VPP curricula, particularly regarding veterinary practice regulations, specimen management, and livestock business principles.
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Empowering frontline personnel: VPPs deliver the vast majority of primary animal health services in LMIC rural areas; building their practical advisory and diagnostic capacities is crucial to scaling sustainable stewardship.
Policy and practical implications
Strengthening veterinary stewardship requires moving beyond passive regulatory controls or top-down awareness campaigns. National Action Plans (NAPs) on AMR should explicitly incorporate competency-based workforce development and institutionalised CPD frameworks into their One Health capacity-building strategies. Sustainable mitigation depends on giving frontline animal health workers the practical tools and behavioral competencies necessary to drive responsible antimicrobial use in everyday practice.
