How Field Epidemiology Training Programs Address Health Priorities
Author Information
Author(s): Koyie Stephen Leshan, Muehlen Marion, Dhand Navneet, Perrocheau Anne
Primary Institution: World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
Hypothesis
How are Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) trainees and graduates engaged by health ministries to address public health threats?
Conclusion
FETP graduates are crucial to public health programs and have significantly strengthened health systems worldwide.
Supporting Evidence
- FETP graduates have been engaged in national health priorities, including COVID-19 responses.
- Over 18,000 FETP graduates have been trained across the program’s three tiers since 1980.
- FETPs have contributed to developing surveillance systems and investigating outbreaks.
Takeaway
This study shows that people trained in field epidemiology help countries respond to health problems like COVID-19 and other outbreaks.
Methodology
A literature search was conducted in electronic databases focusing on English-language articles published between January 2012 and December 2021.
Potential Biases
Most studies reviewed were authored by those affiliated with institutions supporting FETPs, which may introduce bias.
Limitations
The review may not capture negative results or challenges faced by FETP graduates due to publication bias.
Participant Demographics
FETP graduates and trainees from various regions globally, including Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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