3rd workshop and graduation of FETP Frontline Cohorts 4 and 5 in Madagascar

From December 2 to 6, 2024, the 3rd workshop for Cohorts 4 and 5 of the FETP-Frontline program took place, culminating in a graduation and certificate award ceremony on December 6 at the National Institute of Public and Community Health (INSPC) in Antananarivo. This significant event brought together key stakeholders and partners, including representatives from the Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, USAID, World Bank, AFENET, WHO, FAO, Fondation Mérieux, and other development partners, alongside mentors, alumni, and graduates.

The ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of 40 graduates who successfully completed the program, with 20 participants from each cohort. The graduates were recognized for their dedication to advancing public health in Madagascar through the integration of the “One Health” approach, which links human, animal, and environmental health.

Key speeches during the event highlighted the transformative impact of the FETP program. The Secretary General of the Ministry of Public Health, along with representatives from USAID and AFENET, emphasized the importance of the “One Health” approach in strengthening disease surveillance, outbreak response, and data management across 81 districts in Madagascar. They also commended the program’s pivotal role in building a skilled workforce to address Madagascar’s pressing public health challenges.

The event also served as a platform to discuss the challenges faced by the program, including the need for expanded intermediate and advanced-level training and the importance of institutionalizing the FETP to ensure its sustainability. Speakers called for continued collaboration and investment to address these challenges and further enhance the program’s impact.

The ceremony concluded with a resounding call to action, encouraging the graduates to apply their skills and knowledge to create a healthier and more resilient Madagascar. AFENET congratulates the Cohorts 4 and 5 graduates and looks forward to their contributions to public health in Madagascar and beyond