Official opening of the training for 2nd Frontline FETP Cohort in Northern Province – Zambia

On 9 April 2025, the Northern Province officially launched a new cohort of the Frontline Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP). The Provincial Health Director, Professor Ernest Mutale, presided over the opening ceremony, marking the second such training following the inaugural session in 2022. This new cohort comprises 21 participants drawn from 10 of the province’s 12 districts.

In his remarks, Professor Mutale underscored the importance of equipping frontline health workers with practical skills essential for strengthening public health surveillance across the province. He emphasized the need to build local surge capacity to detect, investigate, and respond effectively to public health threats. Acknowledging the support of the Global Fund, he highlighted that the Frontline FETP offers critical competencies that empower health workers to take timely, data-driven action.

Professor Mutale also urged participants to apply their training in data collection, analysis, and interpretation to enhance evidence-based decision-making. He reiterated that surveillance data must not only be available but also actively used to inform interventions and protect community health.