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The Rwanda Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program: training skilled disease detectives
Isaac Ntahobakurira1, Simon Antara, Tura Boru Galgalo
1National University of Rwanda School of Public Health, Kigali, Rwanda.
The Pan African Medical Journal
|February 24, 2012
Summary
Rwanda established the Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (RFELTP) to combat communicable diseases and build a skilled public health workforce for disease surveillance and response.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Disease Surveillance
Background:
- Rwanda faces significant challenges with communicable diseases and epidemics.
- A critical gap exists in the public health workforce's capacity for multi-disease surveillance and response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a trained public health workforce capable of operating disease surveillance and response systems.
- To strengthen Rwanda's capacity to prevent and manage public health emergencies.
Main Methods:
- The Rwanda Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (RFELTP) was established in 2009-2010.
- A 2-year program offering applied epidemiology and public health laboratory training.
- Trainees provide essential public health services to the Ministry of Health.
Main Results:
- The first cohort included 15 residents who conducted field investigations and responded to outbreaks.
- 145 frontline health workers were trained through short applied courses.
- The program is funded by the Government of Rwanda, US PEPFAR, and the World Bank.
Conclusions:
- RFELTP is successfully building a critical public health workforce in Rwanda.
- The program enhances national and sub-national capabilities for disease surveillance and outbreak response.
- Future plans include a veterinary track to address zoonotic diseases.
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