Intern from Canada presents research findings on human and animal waste management in Vietnam

Steven Lam, a Master of Public Health student from the University of Guelph, Canada, presented results from a research project to the CENPHER team.

                  Photo: Steve is presenting this research on "health risks of agricultural intensification in Vietnam

Steven has been interning at CENPHER and International Livestock Research Institute for 3 months. He worked on a project titled “health risks of agricultural intensification in Vietnam” with Dr. Sherilee Harper at the University of Guelph, Dr. Tran Thi Tuyet Hanh at the Hanoi School of Public Health, and Dr. Nguyen Viet Hung at the International Livestock Research Institute. Their research focuses on animal and human waste management, a growing concern among public and policy makers alike. Increased livestock production, combined with traditional technologies and management practices may present risks to humans and the environment. This international collaboration seeks to better understand what these risks are, explore challenges and solutions, and inform policy. Understanding and addressing waste management issues are needed for sustainable agricultural production while protecting human health and natural resources.

Photo: Steve with CENPHER staffs

Their project involved two parts: 1) conducting a review on the health risks of animal and human waste management; and 2) a qualitative case study exploring farmer’s health risk perceptions and behaviours regarding waste management. Results will be shared through two manuscripts (tentatively), which Steven will complete back in Canada.

Travel funding for Steven was provided through the Mitacs Globalink Research Award. Mitacs is a national, non-for-profit organization that supports international research collaboration. The Field Building Leadership Initiative Vietnam team contributed expertise on human and animal waste management to the project.

For more information on Steven’s experience, please visit:
http://sherileeharper.com/2015/04/27/postcard-from-vietnam-steven-in-hanoi/

For more information on Mitacs, please visit:
https://www.mitacs.ca/en/programs/globalink/globalink-research-award

Click here to view his presentation.