Advancing Public Health in Zambia through Frontline Field Epidemiology Training

 On 20^th November 2024, the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) and Ministry of Health (MOH) with support from World Bank and US CDC, attained another milestone for having 18 trained frontline health worker in the basic applied epidemiology in Eastern province. The cohort of health professionals from Disease Surveillance, Environment Health and Laboratory marked a second cohort under support from World Bank through the Africa CDC Regional Investments Financing Project (ACDCP). The momentous event was officiated by the Acting Provincial Health Director, Dr. Charles Fanaka; the Director General – Zambia NPHI, Professor Roma Chilengi; and the Program Director, Dr. Nyambe Sinyange.

In his remark, Dr. Fanaka extended his warmest congratulations on the significant achievement of newest Frontline FETP graduates on behalf of the Eastern provincial health office. “Your dedication to completion of this training has been inspiring through commitment and team work. You have demonstrated a pivotal contribution to public health space by applying skill from the training to lead with integrity, make decisions grounded in data, and foster collaboration” Dr. Fanaka. He said that, every year Eastern province experiences diseases outbreaks such as anthrax, cholera, and poliomyelitis. Therefore, the training had prepared fellows to respond effectively and mitigate these risks, bolstering surveillance and response capacity in the communities. “On behalf of Eastern PHO, we are honored to celebrate the accomplishments and grateful for their financial and technical support from ZNPHI, which made this training possible. I also commend the unwavering dedication of our FETP staff and Mentors”, Dr. Fanaka.

The Director General (Prof. Roma Chilengi), also congratulated the graduands for having undertaken training emphasizing that the aim should not only about professional advancement but a mission to save lives and serve communities. “Our collective commitment remains steadfast in supporting robust systems for early detection, rapid response, data-sharing, community engagement, and enhanced healthcare infrastructure. These efforts are not only vital to protecting Zambia’s population but also contribute to regional and global health security”. he said. Professor Chilengi, encouraged graduates to document and share thier fieldwork experiences through publications as a way to contribute to the broader public health community, guiding evidence-based decision-making and shaping policies. He said that, platforms like the Zambia health press provide an excellent opportunity to showcase your work and extend its impact in public health space.