The role of Rwanda Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program graduates and residents in response to the...

Rwanda Field epidemiology and laboratory training programs (RFELTP) build capacity to improve disease surveillance, respond to public health emergencies, and inform evidence-based decision-making to mitigate the impact of epidemics and other public health events. On September 27, 2024, Rwanda declared its first Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak. MVD disease is a severe haemorrhagic fever with a fatality rate ranging from 24% to 90%. We describe the role played by the RFELTP in the outbreak response, and identify key strengths and challenges of the program related to the response. In November 2024, we provided a self-administered questionnaire delivered online to all residents and graduates of RFELTP. The questionnaire included sections on sociodemographic, experience in outbreak response, and MVD outbreak response experiences. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed, and the data were analysed using Stata version 16. Among the 523 total participants, 209 responded (40.0%). About a third of the participants (34.8%) supported MVD response activities. Residents and graduates supported the response in all 30 districts of Rwanda, mainly at the national and district levels. Most supported epidemiology and surveillance 41.2%, data management 19.2%, infection prevention control 14.3%, and leadership and coordination pillars 10.4%. Nearly all 96.7% felt adequately prepared by their RFELTP to handle outbreak responses. The RFELTP graduates and residents proved to be a critical resource in the MVD outbreak response, enhancing the country's capacity to respond to public health emergencies. Continued investment in this training program is essential for enhancing global health security and strengthening capabilities to respond to public health emergencies.