Engaging Community Members to Pinpoint Priorities around Zoonotic Disease in Nepal

Abstract

Abstract Emerging infectious diseases, mainly zoonotic in nature, represent a global threat, particularly for countries lacking in resources or effective infrastructure. There is little qualitative research investigating community awareness, priorities, perceptions and practices around zoonotic risk, and how these factors are shaped by socio-cultural contexts, in Nepal. Using interviews and photovoice, we aimed to address these knowledge gaps by examining how to most effectively engage community members and promote the co-production of community-level strategies aimed at mitigating this risk. Our findings illustrate the significance of acknowledging the multi-dimensional religious, cultural, educational, financial and social contexts in which people live, and how these influence their beliefs, needs and priorities. This project provides and develops insights, including the incorporation of indigenous languages, inclusion of community leaders, and using drama or theatre to promote messages, to inform the design and implementation of research and interventions addressing drivers of zoonotic disease risk in conjunction with, and tailored to, communities in Nepal. Information © The Authors 2024