Abstract

BackgroundThe International Health Regulations (2005) and the emergence and global spread of infectious diseases have triggered a re-assessment of how rich countries should support capacity development for communicable disease control in low and medium income countries (LMIC). In LMIC, three types of public health training have been tried: the university-based model; streamed training for specialised workers; and field-based programs. The first has low rates of production and teaching may not always be based on the needs and priorities of the host country. The second model is efficient, but does not accord the workers sufficient status to enable them to impact on policy. The third has the most potential as a capacity development measure for LMIC, but in practice faces challenges which may limit its ability to promote capacity development.DiscussionWe describe Australia's first Master of Applied Epidemiology (MAE) model (established in 1991), which uses field-based training to strengthen the control of communicable diseases. A central attribute of this model is the way it partners and complements health department initiatives to enhance workforce skills, health system performance and the evidence-base for policies, programs and practice.SummaryThe MAE experience throws light on ways Australia could collaborate in regional capacity development initiatives. Key needs are a shared vision for a regional approach to integrate training with initiatives that strengthen service and research, and the pooling of human, financial and technical resources. We focus on communicable diseases, but our findings and recommendations are generalisable to other areas of public health.

Highlights

  • The International Health Regulations (2005) and the emergence and global spread of infectious diseases have triggered a re-assessment of how rich countries should support capacity development for communicable disease control in low and medium income countries (LMIC)

  • Summary: The Master of Applied Epidemiology (MAE) experience throws light on ways Australia could collaborate in regional capacity development initiatives

  • We argue that the tendency to reify "training" as distinct from other capacity development initiatives may be part of the reason Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) in LMIC have difficulty bringing about transformative change in public health

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Summary

Discussion

Training Programs in Epidemiology and Public Health Interventions Network. Field Epidemiology Training Program Development Handbook [http://www.cdc.gov/cogh/dgphcd/resources/pdf/FETP. LaFond AK, Brown L, Macintyre K: Mapping capacity in the health sector: a conceptual framework. Int J Health Plann Manage 2002, 17(1):. Lansang MA, Dennis R: Building capacity in health research in the developing world. Beaglehole R, Dal Poz MR: Public health workforce: challenges and policy issues. Patel M, Douglas R: The Field Epidemiology Training Program: responding to the challenge of current and emerging infections.

Background
Kickbusch I
14. Calain P
29. World Health Organization
Findings
49. Hermeston WA

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