COVID-19 Response Roles among CDC International Public Health Emergency Management Fellowship Graduates.

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Public Health Emergency Management
• International Workforce Development

Background:

• The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established the Public Health Emergency Management Fellowship in 2013.
• The fellowship aims to build an international cadre of professionals skilled in public health emergency management.
• Fellowship graduates are expected to establish emergency management programs and operations centers in their home countries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the job roles and functions of fellowship graduates.
• To assess their contributions to their country's COVID-19 response efforts.
• To identify needs for technical assistance to bolster national preparedness and response systems.

Main Methods:

• A web-based survey was distributed to 141 Public Health Emergency Management Fellowship graduates in March 2021.
• A total of 89 graduates (63% response rate) completed the survey.
• The survey collected data on roles, COVID-19 response contributions, and technical assistance needs.

Main Results:

• Fellowship graduates occupied critical positions in national COVID-19 responses across numerous countries.
• Survey respondents reported effectively applying skills acquired during the fellowship.
• A significant desire for ongoing collaboration between the CDC and fellowship alumni was identified.

Conclusions:

• Public Health Emergency Management Fellowship graduates are integral to international public health emergency response.
• The fellowship successfully equips professionals with essential skills for managing public health crises.
• Sustained engagement with alumni can foster a robust global community of practice for public health emergency management.