Zambia National Public Health Institute launches Intermediate Field Epidemiology Training Program to strengthen public health security

The Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) is proud to announce the official launch of the Intermediate Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) tier. This milestone marks a significant advancement in Zambia’s efforts to enhance public health security, effectively respond to disease outbreaks, and improve surveillance.

The Intermediate FETP tier is designed to equip public health professionals at the provincial level with advanced skills in epidemiology, surveillance, and outbreak response. It builds on the foundational knowledge provided by the Frontline FETP, launched in 2015, and serves as a crucial bridge to the more comprehensive Advanced FETP tier, which began in 2014. Together, these three tiers form a robust framework for developing skilled public health professionals capable of addressing complex health challenges across all levels of Zambia’s public health surveillance system.

This initiative has been generously funded by the Global Fund, the Pandemic Fund, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Their support underscores the critical importance of equipping health professionals with the tools they need to effectively tackle public health challenges and bolster global health security.

The inaugural cohort of the Intermediate FETP consists of 17 dedicated trainees from all 10 provinces of Zambia. These residents, who include medical doctors, surveillance officers, biomedical scientists, and public health specialists, are committed to improving health outcomes in their communities.

During the program’s launch, Prof. Roma Chilengi, Director General of ZNPHI, emphasized the program’s importance, stating, “The introduction of the Intermediate FETP tier underscores Zambia’s commitment to developing a resilient public health workforce at all levels of the healthcare system. By equipping you with applied skills in epidemiology, we are enhancing our ability to detect, investigate, and respond to public health threats, thereby strengthening our health security. This investment is not just for you as individuals but for the communities you serve.”

The Intermediate FETP tier will focus on hands-on, practical training, enabling participants to apply their newly acquired skills in real-world scenarios. This includes managing public health data, conducting group projects, evaluating surveillance systems, and performing epidemiological investigations.

The launch of the Intermediate FETP tier is a crucial step in ensuring Zambia is prepared to address the ever-evolving public health challenges the country faces. ZNPHI remains committed to building a highly skilled and competent public health workforce, essential for safeguarding the health of every Zambian.