Frontline Cohort 25 of the Zambia Field Epidemiology Training Program graduates

On May 6, 2025, the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) and the Ministry of Health (MOH), in collaboration with the Global Fund and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC), celebrated the graduation of 22 frontline health professionals in Eastern Province. These graduates successfully completed the Frontline Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP), acquiring foundational skills in applied epidemiology to enhance their ability to detect and respond to public health threats.

The event was attended by high profile public health leaders, including Prof. Roma Chilengi -Director General of ZNPHI, Dr. Nyambe Sinyange – Director of the Workforce Development Cluster and Country Lead for the Zambia FETP, and Dr. Charles Fanaka – Public Health Specialist for Eastern Province.

In his keynote address, Prof. Chilengi congratulated the graduates for reaching this important milestone. He underscored the vital role they will play in improving public health at the community level. “You are now equipped with critical tools to detect and respond to outbreaks—tools that make you the first line of defense in protecting our communities and economy,” he said.

He challenged the graduates to apply their training in real-world settings, noting that Zambia continues to face significant public health issues, including data quality challenges and recurrent outbreaks such as Mpox, which has affected several provinces and resulted in fatalities. He emphasized the importance of leveraging their new skills to improve surveillance, preparedness, and response capabilities.

Prof. Chilengi also commended the collaborative efforts of ZNPHI, MOH, and development partners in addressing recent cholera outbreaks across the country. “Our ability to detect cholera has significantly improved over the years, thanks to frontline health workers like you. Risk assessments, preparedness, and staff training in case management are key elements of our successful response strategy,” he said.

Dr. Charles Fanaka echoed these sentiments, urging the graduates to take initiative and apply their skills proactively. He praised the role of FETP alumni in managing past outbreaks of anthrax and cholera in the Eastern Province, and highlighted their ongoing contributions to addressing emerging health threats. “Your commitment and hard work are deeply appreciated. You are the guardians of public health.”

Dr. Nyambe Sinyange applauded the graduates for their perseverance through the program’s rigorous demands. He emphasized the strategic value of the Frontline FETP in strengthening local health systems by building a skilled and responsive public health workforce. He also encouraged graduates to document and publish their fieldwork. “You have valuable insights to share. I encourage you to publish your findings in the Zambia Health Press, where your work will contribute to the national body of public health knowledge,” he advised.