Building Resilience in Public Health through the Frontline FETP in Muchinga Province, Zambia

Recognizing the urgent need for skilled epidemiologists at the frontline, the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI), in collaboration with the Africa CDC Regional Investment Financing Project (ACDCP) and the World Bank funded a cohort Frontline Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) in Muchinga Province. This program is designed to empower local health professionals with the expertise to detect, investigate, and respond effectively to public health threats

On December 13, 2024, the graduation ceremony of 22 health workers from the Frontline FETP took place in Muchinga Province. This milestone event was graced by Professor Roma Chilengi, Director General of ZNPHI; Dr. Joseph Nikisi, ACDCP Project Coordinator; and Dr. Nyambe Sinyange, FETP Program Director.

In his congratulatory remarks, Professor Chilengi highlighted the strategic importance of Muchinga Province to Zambia’s public health landscape. Renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, Muchinga serves as a vital gateway connecting Zambia to Eastern and Southern African trade corridors. This unique geographical position offers immense potential for growth but also exposes the region to significant public health risks such as cholera, measles, typhoid, and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic.

Professor Chilengi emphasized that while these challenges persist, they are surmountable through resilience and innovation. He commended the province’s efforts in public health preparedness and response, stating, “Muchinga’s public health journey is one of strength and adaptation. The province continues to rise as a beacon of preparedness and response in our nation. Through the Zambia National Public Health Institute, with the generous support of the ACDCP, we have made critical investments in building frontline epidemiological capacity.”

Dr. Nikisi underscored the transformative impact of the ACDCP project and the Zambia COVID-19 Emergency Response initiatives. He highlighted key advancements in capacity building, including training in laboratory systems, disease surveillance, outbreak investigations, emergency response, data management, and risk communication.

In addition to human capacity development, Dr. Nikisi noted the significant investments made to strengthen and upgrade laboratory infrastructure in selected districts and provincial sites. These enhancements aim to facilitate the timely detection and confirmation of public health threats and to bolster emergency response efforts across Zambia.

Looking ahead, Dr. Nikisi shared details of the Project’s additional financing phase, which focuses on constructing a National Public Health Institute and a biosafety level 3 public health laboratory. “This initiative aims to strengthen surveillance and epidemic preparedness at both the national and Southern African regional levels,” he stated.

The Frontline FETP graduation in Muchinga Province marks an important step forward in Zambia’s public health journey. Through collaborative efforts and sustained investment, the nation continues to build resilience, ensuring that its health systems are prepared to address current and future public health challenges.