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As a hallmark achievement Year 3, SEAOHUN, in collaboration with our country networks and other partners, organized the SEAOHUN 2022 International Conference and partnership meeting. In addition, Year 3 (October 2021 – September 2022) was a transition year as SEAOHUN’s organizational capacities met the requirements to receive direct funding from USAID starting in Year 4. To access to the OHW-NG Year 3 Annual Report click!

SCOPE OF WORK The Consultant will provide a short-term service as Graphic Designer assisting the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer to lay out a report using a template and style guide provided by SEAOHUN. The services shall include: 1) Transfer of text from Word documents of 35 to 50 pages total into the layout; 2) The consultant shall read documents provided by SEAOHUN and design an icon representing “One Health in Southeast Asia”, infographic icons and Southeast Asian visual elements; 3) Updating of the Southeast Asia map to show the current universities in the eight country networks; 4) Identification of suitable illustrative photos from among those supplied by SEAOHUN based on relevance to subject, composition, technical quality of the image and other artistic considerations; when needed, identification of suitable illustrative photos from online commercial sources such as Shutterstock for review and possible purchase by SEAOHUN; and 5) Incorporation of edits to text. DELIVERABLES The final output is a report section, 35 to 50 pages long, A3 spread or close to, with a section front and back cover, optimized for visual display, in PDF and Adobe InDesign formats. EXPECTED OUTPUT AND TIMELINES The consultant will provide the following deliverables during the contract period, based on discussions with the MEL Officer and inputs from the Senior Public Engagement Officer: a) Draft layout with all text, photos, icons and other images in PDF format for review and editing by SEAOHUN by April 9, 2023 b) Proofreading-ready layout in Adobe InDesign format by April 15, 2023 c) Dummy layout with all graphical elements in InDesign format and section headers by April 20, 2023 d) All altered photos by April 20, 2023 in two digital formats: 1) high-resolution and optimized for printing; 2) middle-resolution and optimized for visual display e) All designed icons and visual elements by April 25, 2023 in two digital vector formats: 1) high-resolution and optimized for printing; 2) middle-resolution and optimized for visual display. f) The consultant may be asked to revise some text or elements during the period of April 15 to 28, 2023. The consultant will report to the MEL Officer for this work. TIMING AND PAYMENT The work is expected to commence during 1 – 28 April 2023. The consultant is expected to deliver the final output no later than 28 April 2023. The payment terms are 50% when submission of the Proofreading-ready layout (b), and the remaining 50% after delivering the final output to SEAOHUN. SUBMISSION Interested consultant must submit the cover letter, quotation for cover pages, lump sum for (1-35 pages) and extra cost per page for above 35 pages to the following email address secretariat+recruitment@seaohun.org and copy to wahwahlwin@seaohun.org. This will be evaluated based on the following criteria: 1) Academic Qualifications: Degree in fine arts, design, or related field. 2) Experience: At least 10 years’ experience in lay-out and design of publications for development organizations, including production of detailed technical graphs and figures, icons and infographics. 3) Familiar with USAID branding and guidelines is highly desirable. 4) Language: Good command of written and spoken English. 5) Work Ethic: Quick turnaround of outputs, close coordination with client during design phase. All inquiries regarding the TOR should be directed to Wah WahLwin at wahwahlwin@seaohun.org Our previous report for your references: https://www.seaohun.org/publications SEAOHUN is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, language, religion, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and gender identity. While we respect all applications, only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Since its establishment, SEAOHUN has expanded network membership from 10 universities in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam to over 99 universities in eight countries, including the four founding countries plus Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and the Philippines. The expansion was made possible with the support of Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), U.S. Department of State (DOS) through its Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI), and USAID. Our university members come from multiple disciplines connected to the health of humans, animals, and their ecosystem. Our regional programs promote and facilitate collaborative activities among the countries with an emphasis on improving One Health education and research. Examples of our educational initiatives include the development of One Health core and technical competencies, competency-based education, research capacity to provide an evidence-base for One Health advocacy, One Health student clubs, and other experimental learning activities. The SEAOHUN Secretariat based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is the coordinating body for all the country networks. The Secretariat manages subawards with the country networks, facilitates SEAOHUN Executive Board meetings and regional activities, strengthens One Health University Networks in Southeast Asia through capacity building activities, and partners with national, international and non-governmental organizations to build the next generation of One Health leaders. The Secretariat represents interests of its country networks at global and regional meetings/conferences/forums such as Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), and ASEAN+3 Field Epidemiology Training Network (FETN). SEAOHUN has partnered with Zoetis and Pfizer to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and with Chevron to strengthen One Health education in Southeast Asia. For more information, you may visit our website and http://facebook.com/seaohun. See below for Current Oppotunities for you to be part of our team and more details of DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES including QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS of each position. Deputy Executive Director Program Manager Office Manager Admin Assistant HOW TO APPLY Interested candidates are invited to send an application letter, a resume or curriculum vitae in PDF format, and state a current and expected salary to secretariat+recruitment@seaohun.org using the subject line “Apply for [xx]position.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until filled with the first round of reviews on 1 March 2023. The candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The salary for this position will depend on qualifications and experience and in line with projects funds. SEAOHUN is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, language, religion, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and gender identity. SEAOHUN prohibits the use of forced labor and trafficking in persons, and does not charge any fees from applicants. While we respect all applications, only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Looking to start writing your U.S. graduate school essay but confused on how to perfect your writing? Stumped about how to prepare for your U.S. graduate level program? Join the USINDO GRASP Batch 5 Mini Intensive Course now! Our FREE online short course will give you the boost you need to gain admissions into your DREAM U.S. University! We offer an intensive six, 90-minute sessions designed to apply and practice the most important skills for successfully completing your U.S. Graduate School application. With a refined focus on critical thinking and digital literacy, you will learn and cultivate strategies to unpack the graduate essay prompt, revise your essay, give and apply constructive feedback, check credibility of online sources, and so much more. The USINDO GRASP Mini Intensive Course is designed to be highly-interactive and digitally-rigorous, simulating U.S. graduate-level classrooms–complete with whole/small group discussions, peer review exercises, multimedia group tasks, periodic self-evaluation, reflections, and writing practice. The USINDO GRASP Mini Intensive Course is supported by USAID and Arizona State University under the USAID Higher Education Partnership Initiative (HEPI). Apply now to give yourself an advantage in the application process and help you master essential skills for your U.S. academic study ahead. Application Open Now! Application Deadline Friday, February 3, 2023 at 5:00 pm WIB Course Dates February 10 - March 11, 2023 For more details on the USINDO GRASP Mini Intensive Course, click!

Molecular investigation of human and non-human primate malaria parasites among indigenous communities in Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia Malaysia has succeeded in maintaining zero human malaria status since 2018 up to now. However, zoonotic malaria particularly P. knowlesi infection, has been reported to be increasing in trend, where humans come into contact with Anopheles leucosphyrus–group mosquitoes and the macaque reservoir. Although Malaysian Borneo reported the highest burden of knowlesi malaria, Peninsular Malaysia is also facing increased knowlesi malaria cases in recent years. This worrying trend is mainly due to aggressive land clearing for farming, which increased human-animal exposure, particularly among indigenous communities who are living near forest fringe. As many of these are of public health concern, a team of experts devoted five months conducted a malaria survey among indigenous communities (also known as Orang Asli) in Gua Musang, Kelantan, Malaysia. Due to their remote settlement and dependency on the surrounding forests, indigenous communities are a vulnerable group and likely to predispose to mosquito bites, thus increasing the risk of malaria infection. The project was led by Dr Zulkarnain Md Idris of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia together with Gua Musang District Health Office in Kelantan state. As a first step, the team collected hundreds of dried blood spot samples over five-month period, and then all samples were examined microscopically and further confirmed by molecular tests. It was found that the prevalence of P. knowlesi infection was low (i.e. 0.4%). Low-level P. knowlesi infection, particularly among indigenous communities, is a significant endemic disease with potential health problems in the country. Submicroscopic and generally asymptomatic P. knowlesi infection could be the major obstacle to the malaria eradication effort in Malaysia. It also could potentially be a source of sustained transmission in the affected community. To limit the further increase of the P. knowlesi infections in Malaysia, highly optimized and sensitive molecular methods are needed to detect the infection effectively. Therefore, a guideline on the importance of submicroscopic P. knowlesi infections, which includes detection and treatment policy, is required to enhance the strategies for knowlesi malaria control in Malaysia. SEAOHUN 2022 Small Grants Project team leader: Dr. Zulkarnain Md Idris (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia) Team members: Dr. Muhd Rafiq Mohd Kasri (Ministry of Health Malaysia), Dr. Sherwin Chan (Karolinska Institutet Sweden), Dr. Nor Diyana Dian (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia) - Personal protective equipment, distancing, and group size standards in this photo were consistent with local public health guidance and COVID-19 status in the specific country and time it was taken. This may not reflect best practices for all locations where COVID-19 is still spreading. -

Understanding the linkage between microplastics pollution and One Health: propose a set of tools for assessing the impacts of microplastics on health There is mounting evidence that microplastic pollution is a serious issue. According to studies conducted all over the world, tiny plastic fibers and particles have been discovered in rivers and lakes, seafood caught in the ocean, the air above distant mountaintops, and newly fallen snow in Antarctica. Recently, scientists discovered microplastics in the blood and lungs of humans. This project, led by Dr. Ngo Thi Thuy Huong of Phenikaa University (PU), aims to understand the relationship between microplastic pollution and One Health and to propose a set of tools for assessing the health impacts of microplastics. The project conducted field trip activities in the Nhue-Day River basin, including the collection of samples for microplastic analysis and the evaluation of residents' perceptions of this environmental concern. The project surveyed 200 locals in Phu Ly (Ha Nam) across six occupational categories, including farmers, workers, officials, high school and university students, and small-scale businesses, regarding their knowledge of plastic products and microplastic pollution, as well as the associated health risks. A policy brief was produced based on the findings. Furthermore, Phenikaa University researchers and students conducted sampling in rivers and ponds to investigate the fates and impacts of microplastic pollution. All sediment and surface water samples contained microplastics. The most common species was PET, which had a wide range of densities (between 5 and 267 items/kg wt, or 44% of the total), while the densities of PS, HDPE, PVC, and PP were much lower (mostly under 10 items/kg wt). In this study, microplastics were hypothesized to be the vector for the dissemination of trace metals like As, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, and Mn, and microbes, eg., E. coli harboring the CTX-M and TEM genes. The project also encouraged researchers, lecturers, and students to communicate with one another through various workshops, seminars, and student clubs (OH.PKA). Students who were a part of the OH.PKA student club was involved in a variety of project activities, including fieldwork and workshops. During this project, more than 200 researchers, students, and scientists attended three workshops. The One Health perspective can be understood and applied to the problem-solving process for environmental health issues by students, researchers, and other related stakeholders. The project made it possible for interdisciplinary stakeholders from a variety of fields to work together more closely to improve their understanding of microplastic pollution from multiple angles. The SEAOHUN Small Grants Program has made it possible for us to work with professionals from a variety of fields thanks to the financial assistance and support it provides. Furthermore, through workshops, seminars, and training lectures, our students have the opportunity to study, conduct research, and comprehend the One Health approach. SEAOHUN 2022 Small Grants Project team leader: Ngo Thi Thuy Huong Team members: Le Thanh Thao – Phenikaa University., Ass. Prof. Hoang Thi Thu Ha - National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Dr. Nguyen Thuy Tram – National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Dr. Truong Van Thuong – Vice head of Department of Science and International Cooperation, College of Economics, Technology and Fisheries (CETF), Bac Ninh, Dr. Nguyen Quoc Dinh - Head of Geomatics Department, Vietnam Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources. - Personal protective equipment, distancing, and group size standards in this photo were consistent with local public health guidance and COVID-19 status in the specific country and time it was taken. This may not reflect best practices for all locations where COVID-19 is still spreading. -

Food Supply Chains in traditional Vietnamese markets in COVID-19 pandemic: A lesson using One health approach The COVID-19 pandemic is a global crisis and has enormously affected every aspect of human life. Besides the medical crisis, COVID-19 can lead to an insecure food supply, particularly in vulnerable communities. In Vietnam, the market plays a vital role in the whole country's food supply system; any disruptions in this chain can have huge effects on the overall population. The food supply chain is domino-like, and any part of the process can be unsafe during a pandemic. One way to prevent such a pandemic is through interventions at the human-animal-environment interface using an integrated One Health (OH) approach. According to the World health organization (WHO), the COVID-19 pandemic is a powerful demonstration that the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems is intimately linked. This project is led by Dr. Le Dinh Duong, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Vietnam. The project aims to rapidly evaluate the local workplaces' risk of the COVID-19 pandemic and investigate employees' knowledge, attitude, and practice toward the disease during the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam. The project was implemented to evaluate the coping for the COVID-19 pandemic of employment in the food supply chain using a rapid assessment tool by direct observation and interviewing the related workers in a total of 28 workplaces. 14 of the total 28 markets were provided and distributed food for Hue city for this assessment. While most facilities were assessed as the high risk of COVID-19 (orange code), only Thuan An port was at low risk (green code) of COVID-19. The disruption of the facility of this chain occurred with 12 workplaces being closed under the pandemic's impacts, and half of 28 sites occurred infection cases with COVID-19 disease. The project invited a total of 300 employees who are working in the food supply chain, comprising ports, farms, production units, research, distribution, logistics, and small traders in markets. The main sources of food supply chain for the Hue markets were provided from different districts in Thua Thien Hue province, such as: Hue city, Quang Dien district, Huong Tra district, Huong Thuy district, and Phu Vang district. In the KAP survey, we invited 300 employees who worked in the food supply chain for markets in Hue city. 100% of participants had been vaccinated, including the second and third doses (94.7%) and the first dose (5.3%). Almost of participants understood the preventive measure for COVID-19, such as wearing a mask (93%), hand washing (62%), or keeping a distance (54.3%). Regarding the pathway of COVID-19 disease, it can transmit through the small liquid (71%) and direct contact (48.7%). Only 48.3% of participants supposed that the virus caused COVID-19 disease. In terms of COVID-19 symptoms, fever and dry cough are the most common symptoms of the disease. These findings indicated that employees still lack knowledge of the COVID-19 pandemic and their responses. Almost all participants agreed and strongly agreed to respond to COVID-19 prevention by the local authority and the Vietnamese government. The highest score on the attitude scale was vaccine injection (4.37), followed by wearing a mask (4.15). The percentage of agreement on the COVID-19 vaccine was the highest (98%). In occupational characteristics, physical distancing is hard to meet the recommendation of WHO and MOH in the workplaces, particularly in the slaughterhouse markets. Half of the participants were closely contacted (less than 1 meter) during working time. In the individual response of employees, 100% of workers wear a mask and 88.7% of them supposed that the workplaces had regulations for wearing a mask during working in the facilities. In the crisis, health declaration was reported among 87.7%, comprising 43.3% of paper forms and 42.3% using the mobile application; both methods were 2%. More than 1 in 3 employees was self-testing for COVID-19 diseases. Nearly 95% of participants thought that COVID-19 directly impacted to lose of their income, and it also reduced 76.3% of customers. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the mental health of 56.3% of participants and delayed health examination (44%). SEAOHUN 2022 Small Grants Project team leader: Duong Le Dinh, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Team members: Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Xuan Hoa (University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University) Ms. Nguyen Thi Quynh Anh (University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University) Dr. Dang Thi Anh Thu (University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University) Dr. Tran Binh Thang (University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University) Dr. Nguyen Thanh Gia (University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University) Mr. Nguyen Minh Tu (University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University) Ms. Dang Thi Thanh Nha (University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University) - Personal protective equipment, distancing, and group size standards in this photo were consistent with local public health guidance and COVID-19 status in the specific country and time it was taken. This may not reflect best practices for all locations where COVID-19 is still spreading. -

Develop photocatalyst-based water treatment technology for the removal of antibiotic residue in aquaculture water/wastewater Since antibiotics were introduced for infection control, it has saved countless lives and nowadays, antibiotics are not only used for human healthcare, but expanded to aquaculture and agriculture. The global antimicrobial consumption in aquaculture was projected to reach 13,600 tons by 2030 [1]. The increasing antibiotic use, particularly misuse and overuse has caused water potentially contaminated with antibiotics [2], resulting the antimicrobial resistant risks in the ecosystem, animal, and human health. According to WHO, antimicrobial resistant diseases cause at least 700 thousand dead each year and the number may reach 10 million by 2050 if no action is performed [3]. To prevent antimicrobial resistance, it requires multisectoral actions with different approaches from prevention to remedy methods. Prevention methods such as biosecurity and antibiotic use control help reduce or avoid antibiotic use thereby lessen the risk of antibiotic contamination [4]. However, once antibiotics enter water resources, it can exist for a long time and slowly accumulates in soil and aquatic animals, an important element in the food chain and consequently enhance the antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, it requires effective remedy technologies to remove antibiotic residue from water. Different technologies including adsorption, membrane filtration, advanced oxidation, and biodegradation processes have been considered to remove antibiotics contaminants. Among which advanced oxidation process based on photocatalyst has proved to be the most suitable technology for aquaculture water. This technology can completely degrade antibiotics by light irradiation without the addition of any chemical. With the support from SEAOHUN via Small Grant Project, a research group from Phenikaa University in Vietnam has successfully developed an advanced oxidation technology based photocatalyst that is able to degrade antibiotics in water. The technology utilized TiO2 as photocatalyst to break down antibiotics and other organic compounds under UV light irradiation. To avoid the release of TiO2 particles into water, TiO2 particles are grafted onto aluminosilicate slabs as a coating layer (Figure 1 a) which can adsorb (Figure 1 b) and degrade organic compounds. A photocatalyst-based water treatment unit as shown in Figure 2 has been developed using the prepared TiO2 coated aluminosilicate slabs. A major part of water treatment unit is a tubular reactor packed with TiO2 coated aluminosilicate slabs. Figure 1. TiO2 coated aluminosilicate slab (a) and microscopic image showing the adsorption of methylene blue dye by coating layer (b) Figure 2. Fabricating the photocatalyst-based water treatment unit for the organic pollutant removal. The unit can degrade >60% antibiotics contaminant with the treatment capacity from 20 to 100 L/h. This system can be easily scaled up by assembling multiple units and retrofitted to existing water treatment system. Compared to conventional technologies that based on adsorption or microbiological degradation, this technology does not generate waste because organic compounds could be degraded completely to mineral compounds like water and CO2. To further explore the potential application of the technology, it is being demonstrated with different types of water and wastewater. References [1] Schar, D., Klein, E. Y., Laxminarayan, R., Gilbert, M. &Van Boeckel, T. P. (2020). Global trends in antimicrobial use in aquaculture. Scientific Reports 10(1): 21878. [2] O'Neill, J. (2016). Tackling drug-resistant infections globally: final report and recommendations, Review on Antimicrobial Resistance. [3] WHO (2019). New report calls for urgent action to avert antimicrobial resistance crisis, https://www.who.int/news/item/29-04-2019-new-report-calls-for-urgent-action-to-avert-antimicrobial-resistance-crisis cited on 4/3/2022. [4] WHO (2020). Antibiotic resistance, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antibiotic-resistance cited on 4/3/2022. SEAOHUN 2022 Small Grants Project team leader: Dang Viet Quang Team members: Ran Van Tan, Phenikaa University. Than Van Thai, Phenikaa University. Hoang Hiep, Vietnam University of Agriculture - Personal protective equipment, distancing, and group size standards in this photo were consistent with local public health guidance and COVID-19 status in the specific country and time it was taken. This may not reflect best practices for all locations where COVID-19 is still spreading. -

Introduction Helminthic parasites affect more than one third of the world’s population and cause substantial disease and disability. This neglected disease involves human, animal and environmental health as a biology of the disease. Because of the role of contaminated soil in their transmission, infections with Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis, and hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus) are, in public health terms, known as soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH). STH infections generally infect populations of school-age and pre-school children. Both of these population groups are very susceptible to worm infections, which are often not detected. STH infections typically have a very low mortality rate but cause morbidity that can affect a person’s quality of life for a long time. To control the diseases, World Health Organization (WHO) road map by the year 2021-2030 was proposed to manage the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), including STH diseases, was on the list as well. The objectives of this project were 1) to set up a soil-transmitted helminth stakeholder meeting and implement the design thinking concept and process to the stakeholders for the pre-prototype development and 2) to develop at least one useable prototype regarding soil-transmitted helminth prevention by design thinking process. Methods In this project, the stakeholders were invited as this disease is a complicated problem so we need multidisciplinary team to solve the problem. The representatives of the Departments of Helminthology and Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Kasetsart University, Tha Song Yang district public health (Tak province), sub-district health promoting hospital, sub-district administrative organization, village health volunteers, head of the community, and primary-school teachers were invited to join this workshop. A workshop on design thinking for the prevention of soil-transmitted helminth infection was held on November 3-4, 2021 at the Tha Song Yang Public Health Office. Based on the One Health approach, information on soil-transmitted helminths, and design thinking principles and activities. Ethanol extractions of Ma-Fuang fruit, Ba-San fruit, and Sab-Suea leaf were prepared. Acetic acid was used as a positive control, and DMSO and ethanol were used as solvent controls. Each in vitro reaction was composed of herb compound and egg-containing larva or dividing cells (approximately 100 eggs). The reaction was incubated for 30 s at room temperature. Then, 0.2% eosin was added, and the mixture was mouthed on the glass slide and observed. A total of 10 eggs were counted (in triplicate) for larva or cell movement. Eosin staining (red color which represented the dead eggs or larvae) was applied under a light microscope at 100X or 400X magnification. According to the in vitro result, we prepared the combination of the “Design thinking herb spray” as follows: Ma-Fuang, Sab-Suea and ethanol (dark green liquid), and sent to the herb spray for in vitro skin irritation test, which was based on the utilization of the reconstructed human epidermis, which closely mimics the biochemical and physiological properties of the upper parts of the human skin (the epidermis). Results and Discussion The good practice or main strength of this project is the design thinking process, which integrates health and non-health science aspects in creating a pre-prototype based on complicated problems or pain points. Moreover, the useable herb spray product was developed from a real problem in the community. An obstacle faced in implementing this project was that the workshop was set up during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a limited number of participants and thus a limited number of ideas for pre-prototypes. The lesson learnt regarding the future design thinking workshop might be organized online to attract a large number of participants in the context of the COVID-19 health crisis. The participants proposed two pre-prototypes: an herbal spray and a no-rinse hand-soap tablet. The selected pre-prototype was the herbal spray, from which a useable prototype will further be developed. The participants from the herbal spray group recommended three local herbs as spray ingredients—the star apple (Averrhoa carambola, or Ma-Fuang in Thai) flower or fruit, the great elephant apple (Dillenia aurea, or Ba-San in Thai) fruit, and the Siam weed or Sab-Suea (Chromolaena odorata L.) leaf—to protect local communities from helminth infective eggs when eating barehanded. For the in vitro experiment, it was shown that with the combination of ethanol extraction of Ma-Fuang fruit and Sab-Suea leaf at the final concentration of 50 mg/ml, the cells and larva stopped their movement and stained with a red color. It was shown in the results that the combination of ethanol extraction of Ma-Fuang fruit and Sab-Suea leaf, with the lowest LC50 of 6.86 mg/ml might affect the parasite eggshell and larvae due to its high toxicity. It was shown in the results that the herb spray decreased tissue viability (mean 22.01%, SD 8.582), which indicates an irritant effect. However, a contact time of 15 min was performed in this protocol. Therefore, we recommend that users in the community apply this herb spray to their hands, wait for 30 s, and wash their hands out. This protocol should be sufficient to inhibit parasite eggs and decrease skin irritation. We plan to contact the Tha Song Yang Public Health Office and village health volunteers to distribute the herb spray and provide instructions to the community. The expected outcome from the project such as decreasing of the infected cases in the future and the community will concern about the STHs regarding health policy. This model might be used by the other community area with affected by STHs in the national, regional and global. SEAOHUN 2022 Small Grants Project team leader:Dr. Sivapong Sungpradit Team members: . Asst.Prof. Dr. Teera Kusolsuk, Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Asst.Prof.Dr. Jitjayang Yamabhai, Asst.Prof.Dr. Patoo Cusripituck, Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia, Mahidol University - Personal protective equipment, distancing, and group size standards in this photo were consistent with local public health guidance and COVID-19 status in the specific country and time it was taken. This may not reflect best practices for all locations where COVID-19 is still spreading. -

Seropositivity of leptospirosis and related occupational and environmental factors among abattoir workers in Myanmar: a prerequisite for one health approach control practices Leptospirosis is a zoonosis of great importance of public health and considered one of the neglected tropical diseases affecting both human and animal populations. As this infection has occupational hazards for workers which keep direct or indirect contact with animals, mainly without adequately using protection measures, abattoir workers are on high risk of contracting leptospiral infection. Despite being prevalent as occupational zoonosis in resource limited setting like Myanmar, the information even for high-risk groups is scarce. This cross-sectional study aims to detect seropositivity of Leptospira antibodies and related occupational and environmental factors among abattoir workers. A total of blood samples from 180 abattoir workers from five registered abattoirs with license type-B or type-C situating in Yangon Region were collected and those workers were also interviewed about their occupational and environmental variables. All blood samples were tested for detection of Leptospira antibodies by using SD BIOLINE IgM/IgG Immunochromatographic Assay. Then, the seropositive samples were transported to another laboratory for further serological examination by using Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) to minimize the false positives. Among 180 abattoir workers, 64% were from cattle, goat, sheep abattoirs and the remaining from pig abattoir. Most of them were in 18 to 34 years age group, males and urban residence. Around two-third had heavy exposure to blood, internal organs and viscera of animals and carcass due to their types of work such as slaughter workers, butchers and offal removers. Nearly half of workers did not wear any personal protective equipment (PPE) during work. Only 11.7% of workers had awareness on human leptospirosis. Twelve of 180 workers were seropositive of Leptospira antibodies, contributing to 6.7% (95% CI: 3.5%, 11.4%). Bivariate statistical tests revealed the significant association between the seropositivity and the occupational and environmental characteristics such as presence of heavy exposure to raw meat/ blood, duration of service in current work, habitude of smoking during work, habitude of eating during work and wearing PPE. Moreover, the marginally significant association was also observed between the factors such as the presence of mice or rat burrow at home or around neighbourhood, habitude of washing kitchen utensils before usage, and seropositivity. Since most of the study workers were lack of awareness on human leptospirosis, the awareness raising program such as health education about leptospirosis especially its modes of transmission and prevention methods should be promptly and intensively provided. The findings also highlighted the proportion of workers who had habitude of wearing PPE was substantially low and, in addition, wearing PPE and presence of heavy exposure of animal blood were found as the significant occupational factors for seropositivity. The study team, hence, recommends that the workers should wear appropriate PPE while working. This is the first report of seropositivity of leptospirosis in abattoir workers in Myanmar. The findings of this project may provide the baseline information required for planning and implementing effective prevention and control strategies for zoonotic diseases such as leptospirosis among abattoir workers. SEAOHUN 2022 Small Grants Project team leader: Dr. Aye Sandar Mon, Assoicate Professor, University of Public Health, Yangon Team members: Prof. Hla Hla Win, Rector, University of Public Health, Yangon, Prof. Mya Thandar, University of Public Health, Yangon, Dr. Myo Pa Pa Thet Hnin Htwe Aung, University of Medicine, Taunggyi, Dr. Aung Tin Kyaw, University of Public Health, Yangon - Personal protective equipment, distancing, and group size standards in this photo were consistent with local public health guidance and COVID-19 status in the specific country and time it was taken. This may not reflect best practices for all locations where COVID-19 is still spreading. -

Designing and evaluating intervention for prevention and control towards rabies among rural populations in Sabah, Malaysia Rabies is a significant but neglected disease predominantly transmitted through dog bites and responsible for an estimated 55,000 to more than 70,000 human deaths annually worldwide but occurring mostly in Asia and Africa. With continuous effort, Malaysia declared free from rabies in 2003. However, there were rabies outbreak occurred in three states in 2015 and in Sarawak in 2017. Hence, Sabah is considered high risk state because is neighbouring Sarawak. The Skuad PErangi Rabies (SPERA) Project was led by Dr Zulkhairul Naim bin Sidek Ahmad from Universiti Malaysia Sabah with the support of his team to maintain zero human rabies case among rural populations in Sipitang, Sabah. There were many activities conducted to achieve the goal of the project. Initially, the volunteers were trained on rabies prevention and control measures. Additionally, the volunteers were exposed to the concept of the program and their responsibilities in carrying out this program successfully for the community health benefits. They were informed regarding them being an active agent in informing and educating the community on the danger of danger and its prevention to curb the disease. They also act as a motivator for creating awareness among the community. Exhibition on rabies was conducted as well. During the exhibition, the materials related to rabies were displaced in the board. The final activity was door-to-door canvassing where the volunteers went to village’s home and distributed the rabies prevention and control tools consist of book, pamphlet, hand-fan, small badge and plastic bracelet. A total of 31 volunteers were trained in training of trainers (TOT) and nearly 250 participants attended this exhibition. During the door-to-door canvassing, the volunteers went to give health education to 157 adult villagers. Thanks to the funds and support provided by this SEAOHUN Small Grants Program, without a doubt, the villages were better equipped with knowledge and practice of rabies prevention and control and finally, the rabies case maintain zero in Sipitang district, Sabah, Malaysia. SEAOHUN 2022 Small Grants Project team leader: Dr Zulkhairul Naim bin Sidek Ahmad Team members: Dr John Michael Cabuguason, Dr. Jamsari bin Hashim - Personal protective equipment, distancing, and group size standards in this photo were consistent with local public health guidance and COVID-19 status in the specific country and time it was taken. This may not reflect best practices for all locations where COVID-19 is still spreading. -

Knowledge transfer and collaborative networking on building resilience against leptospirosis among visitors in recreational forests Terengganu, Malaysia. Almost a year ago we received the news that our allocation to the SEAOHUN Small Grant Program 2021 was accepted. We were jumping with joy! This is the beginning of Project Lepto- a project that we have initiated in collaboration with Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (FSME UMT) with Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (ITBSD UMT), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Institute for Medical Research (IMR). Recreational forests in Malaysia are categorized as one of the important hotspots of leptospirosis outbreaks. Previous studies have indicated the risk of leptospirosis in recreational forests, and focused mainly on water-soil environmental reservoirs. However, information on the animal reservoirs remains under-highlighted. We laid out the project into a few objectives. First, we need to find out the diversity and composition of non-volant small mammals at Cemerong Recreational Forest, Terengganu by using 100 cage traps that were set up along the trail at the recreational area. Second, we are determined to know the prevalence of leptospirosis in the samples of the non-volant small mammals. The samples were determined by dissecting the individuals and obtaining the liver samples for testing purposes. Thirdly, we would like to imitate knowledge transfer activities for the public regarding the precautions and symptoms of leptospirosis. The first objective was determined by using identification of the small mammals diversity.The number of individuals caught from the sampling sessions was 51 individuals from 12 species. The most dominant species was house rat (Rattus rattus) with 14 individuals, followed by common treeshrew (Tupaia glis) and Whitehead’s maxomys (Maxomys whiteheadi) with 9 individuals respectively. Then from the liver sample, we tested the prevalence of leptospirosis in the individual. Our students managed to get training on the lab work at the IMR with Dr. Mohammad Ridhuan Mohd Ali (Research Officer). This collaboration allowed knowledge transfer among the two research institutes. We feel humbled by the training given by the expert such as Dr. Ridhuan, as well as the opportunities to use the lab and resource sharing for the laboratory work. We managed to get one sample containing Leptospira sp. With that finding, we can move forward for our next step with the Forestry Department to support the forest management work. How do we transfer our information to the public? We have two outputs that we managed to implement. First, we managed to install the signboard at Cemerong Recreational Forest, Terengganu, Malaysia. This signboard would allow the public to know more about symptoms of leptospirosis, what factors lead to the zoonotic disease and what can we do to prevent them from occurring. We also managed to include a QR code at the signboard leading to our website, of which we have included our team members, objectives of the project and brief database and photo of the small mammals and our team members on the field. This website is a great tool to uplift our visibility and expand our project in the future, especially with the extensive collaboration that we already have. We managed to implement a survey on the effectiveness of the communication regarding leptospirosis. We obtained 89 respondents, and significantly, social media is a great tool among the public to know more about this zoonotic disease, compared to other communication channels such as newspaper, radio, television and others. The infographic that we printed on the signboards also obtained great understanding as respondents have more awareness and understanding about this issue. This outcome is obtained from a pre-post test that we included in the survey. There are multiple pillars of the project such as field work, laboratory work and awareness through signboards and websites. We couldn't thank USAID and SEAOHUN for the seed funding provided to us to initiate this project, allowing knowledge transfer and training, and more visibility about the zoonotic disease. We hope that in future more collaboration and funding could be obtained, towards a better health and conservation effort of our world. SEAOHUN 2022 Small Grants Project team leader: Dr. Nur Juliani Shafie Team members: Dr. Nor Zalipah Mohamed, Dr. Aini Hasanah Abd Mutalib, Dr. Mohammad Ridhuan Mohd Ali, Dr. Farah Shafawati Mohd Taib, Dr. Norita binti Shamsudin, Tuan Haji Roslan bin Rani - Personal protective equipment, distancing, and group size standards in this photo were consistent with local public health guidance and COVID-19 status in the specific country and time it was taken. This may not reflect best practices for all locations where COVID-19 is still spreading. -