Yemen Advanced Field Epidemiology Training Program: An Impact Evaluation, 2021

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Training Programs

Background:

• The Yemen Field Epidemiology Training Program (Y-FETP) is crucial for building public health capacity in Yemen.
• Evaluating its effectiveness is essential for program improvement and sustainability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct the first comprehensive evaluation of the Y-FETP.
• To assess the program's achievement of its objectives and identify areas for enhancement.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods approach: desk review, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews with 21 stakeholders, and an online survey of graduates.
• Qualitative data analyzed thematically; quantitative survey data analyzed descriptively.

Main Results:

• Y-FETP covers 82% of governorates, conducted over 171 outbreak investigations, and published over 50 articles.
• Graduates demonstrated improved skills in outbreak investigation, surveillance, data analysis, and public health communication.
• Program success in saving lives and reducing morbidity/mortality through enhanced response capabilities.

Conclusions:

• Y-FETP effectively increased the number of epidemiologists and positively impacted public health outcomes.
• Program sustainability is threatened by primary reliance on donor funding and challenges in graduate retention.
• Recommendations include strengthening policy development and management training for greater long-term impact.