Building Global Epidemiology and Response Capacity with Field Epidemiology Training Programs

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Global Health Security

Background:

• Increasing global impact of communicable diseases necessitates robust public health infrastructure.
• International Health Regulations and Global Health Security Agenda emphasize the need for national field epidemiologic capacity.
• Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) are vital for addressing emerging and resurgent infectious diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical role of field epidemiologists in global health security.
• To underscore the importance and impact of Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) in building national public health capacity.
• To demonstrate how FETPs contribute to the detection, response, and containment of public health emergencies.

Main Methods:

• Training of epidemiologists through Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) over 35 years.
• FETP trainees conduct surveillance and outbreak investigations for ministries of health.
• Focus on preventing and controlling infectious diseases of global health importance.

Main Results:

• FETP graduates are equipped to manage local public health events and support national health systems.
• Trained epidemiologists enhance global health security by strengthening national capacities.
• FETP graduates often assume leadership roles in public health programs.

Conclusions:

• Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) are essential for developing competent epidemiologists worldwide.
• Investing in FETPs strengthens a nation's ability to respond to public health emergencies.
• Effective field epidemiology training directly contributes to enhanced global health security.