Abstract
BackgroundField epidemiology training programs (FETPs) have trained field epidemiologists who strengthen global capacities for surveillance and response to public health threats. We describe how FETP residents and graduates have contributed to COVID-19 preparedness and response globally.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of FETPs between March 13 and April 15, 2020 to understand how FETP residents or graduates were contributing to COVID-19 response activities. The survey tool was structured around the eight Pillars of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan for COVID-19. We used descriptive statistics to summarize quantitative results and content analysis for qualitative data.ResultsAmong 88 invited programs, 65 (74%) responded and indicated that FETP residents and graduates have engaged in the COVID-19 response across all six WHO regions. Response efforts focused on country-level coordination (98%), surveillance, rapid response teams, case investigations (97%), activities at points of entry (92%), and risk communication and community engagement (82%). Descriptions of FETP contributions to COVID-19 preparedness and response are categorized into seven main themes: conducting epidemiological activities, managing logistics and coordination, leading risk communication efforts, providing guidance, supporting surveillance activities, training and developing the workforce, and holding leadership positions.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate the value of FETPs in responding to public health threats like COVID-19. This program provides critical assistance to countries' COVID-19 response efforts but also enhances epidemiologic workforce capacity, public health emergency infrastructure and helps ensure global health security as prescribed in the WHO’s International Health Regulations.
Highlights
Field epidemiology training programs (FETPs) have trained field epidemiologists who strengthen global capacities for surveillance and response to public health threats
Graduates of the Advanced and Intermediate tiers contribute to the IHR field epidemiologist target of 1 per 200,000 population, while Frontline graduates strengthen the foundational surveillance capacities that permit early disease detection and opportune response
The objective of this study was to describe how the work of FETP residents and graduates has contributed to COVID-19 preparedness and response around the world, in order to understand the value of investments in field epidemiology workforce development
Summary
Field epidemiology training programs (FETPs) have trained field epidemiologists who strengthen global capacities for surveillance and response to public health threats. We describe how FETP residents and gradu‐ ates have contributed to COVID-19 preparedness and response globally. The International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005) sets the minimum target of trained field epidemiologists at 1 per 200,000 population [2, 3]. Field epidemiology training programs (FETPs) train qualified field epidemiologists that build global surveillance and response capacity [4]. Programs apply a competencies-based, practicum approach for each of the three tiers of training: Frontline, Intermediate, and Advanced [6]. Graduates of the Advanced and Intermediate tiers contribute to the IHR field epidemiologist target of 1 per 200,000 population, while Frontline graduates strengthen the foundational surveillance capacities that permit early disease detection and opportune response. Graduates and residents of all levels become adept at preparing for, detecting, and responding to outbreaks on small and large scales
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