Zambia NPHI and Ministry of Health celebrate graduation of cohort 22 of frontline field epidemiology fellows from Luapula province

On October 30, 2024, the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI), in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Global Fund, celebrated the graduation of Cohort 22 of the Frontline Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP). This milestone event honored 19 dedicated frontline health workers from 12 districts across Luapula Province who successfully completed the three-month, competency-based training. The Frontline FETP equips participants with essential skills to detect and respond swiftly to health threats, reducing potential risks to the Zambian population.

In his remarks, ZNPHI Director General Professor Roma Chilengi congratulated the graduates, expressing confidence in their ability to strengthen disease surveillance and outbreak investigation across their communities. He emphasized the critical need for epidemiological expertise at all levels of healthcare, noting that these Frontline FETP graduates are invaluable to both the Ministry of Health and ZNPHI as part of a global network of “disease detectives.” “I trust that you will represent both the Ministry and the Institute with distinction in your new roles,” said Professor Chilengi. He encouraged graduates to document and publish their fieldwork, promoting the sharing of knowledge with the broader public health community.

Provincial Health Director Dr. Simon Kunda also extended his congratulations, acknowledging the commitment shown by the graduates over the past three months to complete this rigorous and vital training. He emphasized the importance of maintaining their impact by actively engaging in surveillance and outbreak response activities. Dr. Kunda encouraged them to share their expertise with colleagues and future cohorts, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement in public health across the province.