Evaluation of collaboration between physicians and veterinarians in the context of public health in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the collaboration between physicians and veterinarians in the Democratic Republic of Congo within the framework of public health activities, in line with the One Health approach. A cross-sectional descriptive and analytical survey was conducted among 432 health professionals from various provinces across the country. The analysis showed that the sample was largely composed of respondents from Kinshasa, with an almost equal distribution between physicians and veterinarians. The findings revealed a strong acknowledgment of the importance of interprofessional collaboration, although its practical implementation remained limited. Approximately 62% of participants had previously collaborated with the other profession, yet only 42% regularly attended joint meetings, and more than 77% considered communication to be insufficient. Major obstacles included lack of coordination, insufficient joint training, and the absence of functional information-sharing platforms. Additionally, 98% of respondents expressed a need for capacity building to strengthen collaboration. The study highlights a substantial gap between the conceptual acceptance of the One Health approach and its practical application, and underscores the need to strengthen institutional mechanisms, coordination frameworks, shared information systems, and joint training initiatives to optimize collaboration between physicians and veterinarians in the DRC.

Keywords: Collaboration, Doctors, Veterinarians, Public Health