Expanding field epidemiology footprints – South Africa FETP Graduates First Frontline Animal Health Cohort!
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AFENET
A well-trained public health workforce is essential for enhancing a country’s capacity for disease surveillance, epidemiological investigations, and outbreak response—a need widely recognised by the global public health community. Field epidemiology training programs (FETPs) play a vital role in building this capacity through a mentored, hands-on approach that prioritises fieldwork.
In 2024, the World Health Organisation (WHO), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), introduced the Competency Framework for One Health Field Epidemiology (COHFE). This framework outlines the core knowledge, skills, and competencies required for implementing a One Health approach—an integrated strategy that seeks to optimise the health of people, animals, and ecosystems.
Since its inception in 2016, the South Africa Field Epidemiology Training Programme–Frontline (SAFETP-Frontline) has successfully trained 23 cohorts, primarily comprising staff from the Department of Health and Municipal Health Services. In a pioneering move, the North West Province Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (NW DARD) formally requested support from the SAFETP to strengthen the capacity of the animal health workforce in disease surveillance and outbreak response.
From 3 March to 23 May 2025, SAFETP enrolled the 24th cohort – the first dedicated animal health cohort. This pioneering group included veterinarians, animal health technicians, control animal health technicians, veterinary technicians, and quality control personnel representing all four districts of the North West Province. Throughout the training, participants developed critical competencies in outbreak investigation, disease surveillance, data management, and scientific communication.
The training concluded with a scientific seminar held on 22–23 May 2025, during which participants presented findings from their field projects. The event was attended in person by senior NW DARD officials, including Dr Madyibi (Director Veterinary Services), Dr Manombe (Deputy Director-Animal Health-Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District), Dr Mosenogi (Deputy Director-Animal Health-Ngaka Molema Modiri District), Mr Mongezi (Deputy Director-Communications-North West Province), and SAFETP Director Dr Kuonza, among others.
More than 40 officials and stakeholders joined virtually. Field project presentations covered priority animal health issues, including brucellosis, African horse sickness, bluetongue, malignant oedema, sheep scab, African swine fever, mastitis, besnoitiosis, avian influenza, and viral diarrhoea.
This milestone concluded just one week ahead of the inaugural One Health Frontline Field Epidemiology Training Program Mentors Workshop for the Southern Africa Region, further underscoring the region’s commitment to the One Health Approach.
Congratulations to the NW DARD cohort for their dedication and successful completion of this important training initiative!
