Submission ID 130369
| Issue/Objective | Global health challenges increasingly unfold in complex and fragile contexts where health outcomes are shaped by interactions between social, environmental, and institutional determinants. Despite this complexity, training programs often remain rooted in disciplinary approaches that inadequately prepare professionals to translate knowledge into action. This gap limits the ability of the global health workforce to address systemic inequities in uncertain environments. This work aims to explore how participatory and experiential learning approaches can strengthen systems thinking and support equity-oriented action in global health. It aligns with the conference theme by addressing the need to move from knowledge to action in a fragmented world. |
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| Methodology/Approach | This study draws on two complementary participatory approaches: a territory-based serious game (DOI: 10.3138/jvme-2023-0048) and a participatory mapping process implemented in a community-based WASH project in Ibadan, Nigeria (DOI: 10.1079/onehealthcases.2023.0009). Both approaches are grounded in constructivist and experiential learning principles. The Territory Game simulates complex systems by engaging participants in role-playing and decision-making exercises involving multiple stakeholders. Participatory mapping involves community members in representing their environment, identifying risks, and co-developing locally adapted solutions. These approaches were implemented in educational and community settings to foster interactive learning and contextualized problem-solving. |
| Results | Both approaches demonstrated strong potential to enhance systems thinking and collaborative competencies. The Territory Game enabled participants to better understand system interdependencies, feedback loops, and trade-offs in decision-making processes. Participatory mapping facilitated the identification of locally relevant health risks and strengthened community engagement in designing context-specific interventions. Together, these approaches helped make system dynamics visible, improved stakeholder interaction, and supported the co-construction of knowledge across diverse actors, including marginalized populations. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | These findings highlight the value of participatory and experiential approaches in bridging the gap between evidence and action in global health. By integrating local knowledge and fostering stakeholder engagement, these methods contribute to more equitable, context-sensitive, and actionable interventions. Scaling such approaches within global health training and practice could strengthen the capacity of professionals to navigate complexity and uncertainty while addressing systemic inequities. This contribution aligns with Sub-theme 3 by demonstrating practical strategies to translate knowledge into impact and to restore commitment to action in global health. |
| Presenters and Affiliations | Olivier Kambere Kavulikirwa Université de Montéal Thomas-Julian Irabor Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Bâtiment B43 Dpt. de gestion vétérinaire des Ressources Animales (DRA), Quartier Vallée 2, avenue de Cureghem 6, 4000 Nicolas Antoine-Moussiaux Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Bâtiment B43 Dpt. de gestion vétérinaire des Ressources Animales (DRA), Quartier Vallée 2, avenue de Cureghem 6, 4000 Liège |
