Sierra Leone Takes Major Step Toward Launching Advanced Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP)

Sierra Leone has taken a significant step in strengthening its health systems and workforce capacity with preparations well underway to launch the country’s first Advanced Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP). The Sierra Leone Government is implementing the initiative through its institutions, mainly the newly established National Public Health Agency (NPHA), University of Sierra Leone, COMAHS, and with technical support from the US CDC and AFENET, and is receiving financial support from the World Bank Pandemic Fund.

On August 1, 2025, a high-level stakeholder meeting, chaired by the Executive Director of NPHA, Prof. Foday Sahr, was convened in Freetown to showcase the progress made so far, strengthen partner alignment, and identify next steps for program implementation.

Foundations in Place

The NPHA, through technical support from the US CDC and AFENET, has led the development of several key documents and tools essential for launching the program. These include:

• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between implementing and technical partners
• Strategic Plan outlining vision, goals, and implementation approach
• Training and Curriculum Plan aligned with international FETP standards
• Program Work Plan with clear milestones and timelines
• Readiness Assessment Checklist for selecting the academic host institution
• Residents’ recruitment package, including selection criteria and application tools
• Supporting concept notes, SOPs, and institutional ownership and sustainability frameworks.

These materials have been developed in accordance with US CDC FETP standards, setting a strong foundation for implementation.

Stakeholder Meeting: Strong Support and Shared Vision

The stakeholder meeting was attended by senior representatives from:

• Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture
• WHO, FAO, US CDC, Africa CDC
• University of Sierra Leone and University of Ghana
• World Bank Country Office and Regional representatives from Washington (virtual)
• AFENET Headquarters

Dr. Gebrekrstos Negash Gebru, AFENET’s Resident Advisor, delivered a detailed presentation on Sierra Leone’s epidemiologic workforce landscape, the program’s progress, and existing challenges—particularly the limited number of highly skilled field epidemiologists.

“A great deal of planning has gone into setting up the Advanced FETP,” said Dr. Gebru. “However, the delay in accessing funds threatens the progress we’ve made. I call on all partners to expedite the contractual agreements, MOU, and other administrative processes to ensure funds are transferred promptly for timely and high-quality implementation.”

Partner Reactions and Commitments

The presentation was well-received and commended by all participants. Key partners expressed their appreciation for the progress and affirmed their commitment to the program’s success.

“We would like to reassure that the funds will be made available to the implementing partner, AFENET—or any others—before October 2025,” said a World Bank representative.

Prof. Foday Sahr, Executive Director of the NPHA, also shared his optimism:
“The Resident Advisor has presented a comprehensive report on the progress, and we are optimistic we will be able to launch the program as scheduled.”

Immediate Next Steps

Partners agreed to take the following priority actions:

• Finalize and sign the MOU among key partners by August 6, 2025
• Establish a Technical Working Group (TWG) to support planning and implementation
• Finalize the curriculum review and validation, and secure Senate approval
• Plan a peer learning visit to established programs, such as the University of Ghana
• Launch a call for applications and complete the resident selection process
• Confirm implementation timelines and partner roles
• Continue engagement with the World Bank to expedite fund disbursement

This meeting marked a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey toward developing a sustainable and skilled public health workforce. It also reaffirmed strong multisectoral collaboration, leadership, and momentum.

Dr. Monique A. Foster, the Country Director of the US CDC Sierra Leone Country Office, said, “The collective resolve demonstrated at this meeting gives us confidence that Sierra Leone’s Advanced FETP will become a regional model program.” 

Prof. Foday Sahr, the Executive Director of the NPHA, said in his concluding remark, “We thank all our partners for their support and look forward to the successful rollout of the program.”

US CDC, in partnership with its partners, mainly AFENET, remains committed to supporting the NPHA and all national and regional partners in realizing a program that contributes meaningfully to health security in Sierra Leone and beyond.