AFENET’s Director, Dr Simon Antara’s Message on World Field Epidemiology Day

Greetings from the African Field Epidemiology Network.
Once again, we are blessed with yet another opportunity to celebrate World Field Epidemiology Day. The annual event is in recognition of the tireless efforts of field epidemiologists across the world whose dedication, commitment and sacrifices constitute a formidable pillar for national, continental and global health security. The theme for this year’s celebration “Making our Mark: Field Epidemiology in Action”, is an aphorism for the excellent, transformative, results-oriented and impactful work that these gallant men and women bring to the public health space. It emphasizes the embodiment of diligence, resilience, dynamism, service, partnership, teamwork and unyielding efforts towards making a difference in creating a safer and a more secure world. Indeed, it cannot be gainsaid that in the noble business of protecting and promoting health, field epidemiologists have and continue to make their mark in a manner that is remarkable and commendable.

Fortified with the right knowledge, skills and attitude, field epidemiologists are at the forefront of preventing, detecting and responding to health threats thereby contributing to improving the health of communities across the globe. With insistence on the use of data, field epidemiologists have and continue to make their mark in advancing evidence-based public health decision-making allowing for effective intervention, efficient allocation of resources and precision public health. These heroes and heroines spare no efforts in their sacrosanct determination towards contributing to the creation of healthy communities. If health is our greatest asset, and it is; if the health of our population is foundational to productivity, and it is, then field epidemiologists by virtue of their interventions, are making an indelible mark in the socio-economic progress of communities across the world. Indeed, field epidemiologists continue to contribute significantly to the many global health-related treaties, and agreements such as the International Health Regulations, Global Health Security, the Triple billion, Universal Health Coverage, Sustainable Development Goals, etc.

Yes, we have made our mark, but the exigencies of the times create no room for complacency and no room for rest. As I write, there is yet another Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in the Southern Kasai Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Field epidemiologists are at the forefront of the response and without doubt will make their mark in contributing significantly towards the outbreak control. Regardless of the enviable feats, there is always more to do, and more room to continue making our mark. The convergence of climate change, environmental degradation, pollution, urbanization, fast and increasing global travel, etc. has led to an increasing emergence and re-emergence of infectious pathogens. Marking our mark means dealing with and turning the corner on these pathogens. The availability and efficient global distribution of unhealthy diets (high in sugar, salt, and trans fats), tobacco use, insufficient physical activity, and harmful alcohol consumption) has led to a neck-tightening grip by non-communicable diseases. Again, making our mark in this milieu requires turning the corner on these health threats.

I would like to take the opportunity to appreciate all stakeholders and partners engaged in the noble efforts to develop and expand field epidemiology capacity across the world. Developing such capacity is a strategic investment with great long-term health security dividends. We must ramp up our efforts and counter the declining investments in this critical approach/tool to health security.

To all field epidemiologists in Africa and across the world, congratulations!

Happy World Field Epidemiology Day!

Dr Simon Antara

Director, AFENET