Continuing Contributions of Field Epidemiology Training Programs to Global COVID-19 Response

Abstract

We documented the contributions of Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) trainees and graduates to global COVID-19 preparedness and response efforts. During February–July 2021, we conducted surveys designed in accordance with the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan. We quantified trainee and graduate engagement in responses and identified themes through qualitative analysis of activity descriptions. Thirty-two programs with 2,300 trainees and 7,372 graduates reported near-universal engagement across response activities, particularly those aligned with the FETP curriculum. Graduates were more frequently engaged than were trainees in pandemic response activities. Common themes in the activity descriptions were epidemiology and surveillance, leading risk communication, monitoring and assessment, managing logistics and operations, training and capacity building, and developing guidelines and protocols. We describe continued FETP contributions to the response. Findings indicate the wide-ranging utility of FETPs to strengthen countries’ emergency response capacity, furthering global health security.

Tanzania’s first Marburg Viral Disease outbreak response: Describing the roles of FELTP graduates and residents

“…Similarly, competencies fostered by FE(L)TPs worldwide, empower residents and graduates to respond effectively across multiple pillars. This versatility has been notably demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic response where FE(L)TP residents and graduates played pivotal roles [ 7 , 26 ].…”

Global Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…CDC-supported Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) ( 15 , 16 ), Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) Fellowships ( 17 ), and national public health institutes (NPHIs) ( 18 ) have contributed to leadership, disease detection and surveillance, and response and workforce capacity during the pandemic. Bell et al described contributions to COVID-19 preparedness and response from 32 FETPs with 2,300 trainees and ≈7,400 graduates, representing >80 countries and 3 regions ( 15 ). Since 2013, CDC has offered the PHEM Fellowship to develop an international emergency response workforce; an assessment examined PHEM graduates’ roles during the pandemic ( 17 ).…”

“…tries and 3 regions (15). Since 2013, CDC has offered the PHEM Fellowship to develop an international emergency response workforce; an assessment examined PHEM graduates' roles during the pandemic (17).…”

Partnerships, Collaborations, and Investments Integral to CDC’s International Response to COVID-19

“…In partnership with CDC, some countries drew on public health workforce and institutional development programs to respond to COVID-19. By July 2021, a total of 32 Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs), CDC’s flagship program for training a global workforce of field epidemiologists, engaged nearly 10,000 FETP residents and graduates to support global COVID-19 epidemiologic investigations, data collection and analysis, and information dissemination ( 7 ). In addition, the Stop Transmission of Polio (STOP) Program, a collaboration between CDC, the World Health Organization, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) that has recruited, trained, and deployed international public health professionals since 1998 to strengthen national immunization systems for polio eradication and the control and prevention of all vaccine-preventable diseases, also supported COVID-19 response activities ( 8 ).…”

“…Uganda FETP fellows and graduates supported all aspects of the COVID-19 response, including conducting contact tracing and case surveillance ( 11 ). Those assets and capacities were essential for rapid response to COVID-19 and continue to be used for other emerging and reemerging infectious disease outbreaks, including the most recent Ebola outbreak ( 7 , 10 – 12 ).…”