Introduction:This study aimed to assess the utilization of field epidemiology skills and the perceived confidence of graduates in applying these skills throughout their careers. It also sought to assess the impact of the Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) on professional growth across different tiers, identify continuing education needs, and identify areas of dissatisfaction. Methods:This cross-sectional study surveyed FETP graduates from various countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) and Bangladesh. An online questionnaire hosted on survey monkey was used to collect data on demographics, field epidemiology experience, skills application, career development, involvement in international public health work, continuing education, and overall satisfaction with the field epidemiology career. Results:A total of 974 FETP graduates completed the questionnaire. Most participants were aged 30-39 years, with a higher proportion of advanced graduates aged 40-49 years, and males predominating across all tiers. Graduates across all tiers reported frequent use of field epidemiology skills in their professional roles. International deployment for public health events was reported by 18.4% of intermediate, 13.8% of frontline/basic, and 12.4% of advanced FETP graduates. The impact of FETP on career trajectories and professional development was widely acknowledged. Among advanced FETP graduates, 21.6% earned a master's degree through FETP, while 20.6% pursued one independently post-graduation. Additionally, 16.6% of advanced FETP graduates completed a diploma through FETP, and 3.4% obtained a PhD afterward. Expanded job responsibilities were reported by 89.4% of intermediate, 86.0% of frontline/basic, and 84.7% of advanced FETP graduates. Many also credited FETP with enhancing job opportunities. Advanced statistics was the most frequently requested topic for further training, cited by 64.9% of advanced, 59.7% of intermediate, and 45.2% of frontline/basic FETP graduates. Satisfaction with salary and benefits was relatively low (44.3%), while satisfaction with co-worker relationships and work-life balance was higher (82 and 65.9%, respectively). Conclusion:FETP graduates across all tiers demonstrated consistent application of field epidemiology and public health skills in their careers. They reported positive impacts on job responsibilities, educational advancement, and professional growth. Identified continuing education needs-particularly in advanced statistics, emergency management, and data visualization-point to key areas for ongoing development.

Armed conflict remains a major determinant of population health, with consequences extending well beyond immediate mortality and injury. These effects include disruption of health systems, environmental hazards, and broader socioeconomic instability. The ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States represents a rapidly evolving crisis with implications not only for affected populations but also for regional and global health systems. In this perspective, we argue that conflicts occurring within strategically critical energy and trade corridors should be understood as global health system shocks. Such events generate multi-level impacts that extend beyond national borders and propagate through tightly linked global systems. We introduce a Global Health System Shock Framework that conceptualizes these effects across three levels: direct local impacts, indirect regional consequences, and systemic global disruptions mediated through energy markets, food systems, and medical supply chains. Key risks include trauma-related morbidity and mortality, damage to healthcare infrastructure, environmental exposures linked to energy facilities, and a growing mental health burden. At the global level, disruptions to energy flows and fertilizer supply chains are already influencing fuel prices, agricultural production, and food security. Viewing modern conflicts through this lens underscores the need for coordinated, health-centered responses that prioritize resilience, protect health infrastructure, and anticipate downstream global effects. This perspective highlights the need to reframe conflict preparedness as a cross-sector global health priority.

Background The Arbaeenia mass gathering in Iraq is one of the largest annual religious events globally, drawing millions of pilgrims and placing substantial pressure on health systems along major pilgrimage routes. Understanding the clinical characteristics of patients seeking care during this period is essential for strengthening preparedness and optimizing resource allocation. This study provides a large-scale assessment of mobile health-facilities presentations during the Arbaeenia mass gathering. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of collected data from 634 mobile medical clinics operating along major pilgrimage routes and in Karbala and surrounding governorates during the Arbaeenia event (23 July–16 August 2025). Standardized forms captured demographics, chronic diseases, clinical presentations, fever syndromes, and injury types, following national mass-gathering surveillance protocols. The dataset included all documented encounters, totaling 551,983 records, based on syndromic assessments and clinician-reported symptoms. Results A total of 551,983 patients attended mobile clinics. Most were male (56.1%) and aged 16–35 years (49.5%). Iraqi nationals comprised 73.6% of attendees, followed by Iranian pilgrims (23.7%). Chronic diseases were reported in 5.8% of patients, mainly among adults > 45 years, with hypertension and diabetes predominating. Presentations were dominated by non-specific pain syndromes, including headache (32.7%), joint pain (25.1%), and muscle pain (14.4%), followed by skin rash (12.2%), fatigue (9.7%), and gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms. Fever occurred in 3.5% of visits; most cases (86.5%) involved uncomplicated fever. Injuries accounted for 3.6% of consultations, primarily superficial wounds and minor musculoskeletal trauma. Conclusion Healthcare utilization in mobile medical clinics during the Arbaeenia mass gathering was driven largely by high-volume, low-acuity complaints. Findings highlight the need to strengthen healthcare capacity, ensure medication continuity for chronic diseases, enhance syndromic surveillance, and tailor services for vulnerable age groups to support effective mass-gathering health responses.

BackgroundEvent-Based Surveillance (EBS) collects signal information from communities and other sources to improve the early detection and response to outbreaks or other public health threats. With the ongoing conflict in Sudan, a major disruption has posed to the health services including Indicator-Based Surveillance (IBS), and EBS has become particularly imperative during this challenging time. This article documents the experience of EBS implementation in Sudan, highlights the practical measures to keep EBS functioning in responding to the evolving war, and shares the lessons learned.MethodsA descriptive qualitative synthesis and desk review of the EBS project aggregated reports, tools, and documents were carried out. Data were organized into themes and analyzed manually using a thematic analysis, paying particular attention to the best practices in the development of EBS, innovations, challenges, and lessons learned.ResultsEBS in Sudan has successfully established and sustained a network of community volunteers nationwide. The EBS unit collaborated with partners and implemented many innovative ideas to train and communicate with the EBS focal persons at the state level and community volunteers during the conflict. Data and information generated by the system were integrated with the IBS data and used for decision-making at the Emergency Operating Centre (EOC). The drivers for success include careful selection of volunteers, addressing their needs, and maintaining communication with them.ConclusionsDespite the limited resources and the current war, the system kept functioning, and its core activities were maintained. The commitment of both partners and the Government of Sudan is an asset that should be strategically leveraged to expand this surveillance to areas that can benefit from EBS the most.

BackgroundThis roundtable focused on the challenge of reaching zero-dose children in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) amid declining immunization rates and increasing health disparities. ‘Zero-dose’ children are concentrated in high-conflict or underserved areas, such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sudan, and Yemen, making them particularly vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases. This discussion convened key stakeholders, including public health experts, EPI managers, and representatives from organizations like WHO, Gavi, and CDC, to explore effective, sustainable solutions for reducing ‘zero-dose’ prevalence in the EMR.PurposeThe roundtable aimed to assess regional barriers to immunization, examine country-specific initiatives to reach ‘zero-dose’ children, and recommend targeted strategies that align with global immunization goals, such as the Immunization Agenda 2030.MethodThrough expert presentations, panel discussions, and participant interaction, attendees analyzed key causes of ‘zero-dose’ prevalence, focusing on conflict-related disruptions, health system fragility, and socioeconomic challenges. Comparative insights were drawn from other regions, highlighting adaptable solutions from Sub-Saharan Africa and other high-burden areas.ResultsFindings indicated that conflicts, infrastructure limitations, and social barriers are major drivers of low vaccination rates. Approximately 2.85 million ‘zero-dose’ children were identified in the EMR, primarily concentrated in a few high-burden countries. Country-specific efforts, such as the “Big Catch-Up” campaign, were acknowledged for their impact, but gaps in sustainable funding and operational capacity remain. Strategies focusing on community engagement, data-driven microplanning, and integration of immunization with broader health services were recommended to overcome access challenges.ConclusionTo reach ‘zero-dose’ children, coordinated, tailored approaches are essential. Community-driven microplanning and enhanced political and financial support can bolster immunization efforts in fragile settings. The roundtable underscored the role of primary health systems in addressing vaccination gaps, contributing to universal health coverage, and fostering resilience in conflict-affected areas. Future policies should prioritize collaboration among sectors, sustainable funding, and innovative outreach to achieve immunization equity across the EMR.

The concept of multisectoral coordination has been comprehensively described in multiple internationally recognized frameworks. However, the institutionalization of the concept is highly complex and requires further exploration. During the 8th Biennial Regional Conference of the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET), a roundtable session brought together a panel of global and regional experts in multisectoral coordination to share knowledge and expertise, regarding the concept of multisectoral coordination, and the implementation and formalization of coordination mechanisms within national structures, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). Discussions also addressed the challenges associated with effective multisectoral coordination, along with proposed solutions and lessons learned from past public health events. The findings of the roundtable emphasized the importance of multisectoral coordination in addressing multifaceted public health events. Multisectoral coordination was described as the “master key” for tackling complex issues at the human-animal-environmental interface. The functionality of coordination within national structures during peacetime was deemed essential for its operationality during emergencies. Therefore, panelists recommended adopting a systematic approach to emergency coordination which includes identifying sector leaders, identifying the main coordination activities, exercising plans and continuous quality improvement. Additionally, the purpose of coordination should be clearly identified and articulated alongside the shared benefits for improved engagement of relevant sectors. Several challenges to effective coordination were identified, along with corresponding solutions. These included limited operational effectiveness of coordination mechanisms during peacetime, lack of awareness regarding the importance of coordination, limited trust and co-ownership within and between organizations, and competing priorities and conflicts of interest.

Introduction:Sustaining Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) is critical for long-term public health capacity. Institutionalization-embedding programs within national health systems-is a major step toward sustainability. This manuscript explores the experiences, perceived challenges, and strategies related to the institutionalization, sustainability, and funding of FETPs in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) and offers recommendations to strengthen their long-term integration within national health systems. Methods:A participatory regional workshop was held in Amman from May 18-20, 2025, to review frameworks, share country experiences, and develop sustainability plans. Participants included FETP directors, ministry officials, and alumni from nine countries. Sessions addressed governance, financing, accreditation, career pathways, and stakeholder engagement. Data were synthesized thematically from session notes and program documents. Results:Twenty-eight participants representing Afghanistan, Iraq, Jordan, Pakistan, Palestine, Tunisia, Morocco, Oman, and Yemen attended the regional workshop. Most were experienced public health professionals and FETP graduates. Country teams highlighted the importance and impact of FETP, while funding constraints and undefined career tracks were common challenges. Institutionalization, defined as embedding FETPs into national strategies with government ownership, legal frameworks, and dedicated financing, emerged as a critical priority. Participants recommended shifting to mixed financing models, pursuing accreditation, and linking programs to universities. The lack of career pathways underscore the need for policies recognizing FETP qualifications in promotions. Stakeholder engagement and advocacy were identified as essential for sustaining support. Conclusion:Sustaining FETPs requires deliberate country-led action, stable funding, accreditation, and clear career progression. With committed leadership and regional collaboration, FETPs can evolve into permanent pillars of public health capacity and health security.

This paper examines the decolonization of humanitarian work, emphasizing the importance of developing regionalized emergency management systems, with a particular focus on the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). It introduces the notions of colonization and decolonization within the context of health emergencies and humanitarian interventions. Additionally, the paper outlines key priorities to advance decolonization and regionalization, promoting a model centered on localized, culturally responsive emergency responses, while examining the current efforts of emergency health management systems in the EMR. The article concludes that decolonizing humanitarian and emergency health responses in the EMR requires systemic shifts in power, policy, and practice, centering local actors, fostering regional resilience, and challenging the dominance of traditional international aid structures. Rather than excluding international partners, decolonization redefines their roles to support, not overshadow, local leadership. By investing in local capacity and committing to locally led, effective partnerships, the region can establish a more just, effective, and sustainable humanitarian system that is not merely donor-driven aid. Crucially, regional alliances and national funding mechanisms must underpin this transformation by strengthening locally led development and supporting the generation of local evidence that informs and shapes the health governance.

Introduction:Despite its significance, mentorship within Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETP) remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the demographic and professional profiles of FETP mentors, their mentorship practices, challenges, and training needs within the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted among FETP mentors across nine EMR countries. A structured questionnaire, developed with expert input and pre-tested for clarity, covered demographics, challenges, training needs, satisfaction, and perceived impact. Data were collected via an online survey platform. Results:Of 148 mentors approached, 129 responded (87.2%). Most were male (75.2%) and aged 40-50 years (41.1%). Over half (51.1%) had more than 6 years of professional experience, while 38.0% had only 0-2 years of mentoring experience. Epidemiology (50.4%) and public health (31.0%) were the most common fields. Most (74.4%) had formal mentorship training, though only 47.3% did so recently. Time management was a common challenge, with 68.0% of mentors reporting difficulty managing time for mentorship activities either often or sometimes. Nearly half (49.2%) found available resources adequate to support their mentorship role. The majority (93.0%) expressed a need for more training, especially in mentoring techniques, communication, and leadership. Workshops were identified by 94.6% of respondents as the preferred method for mentor training. Overall, 59.7% rated their mentorship experience as "Good" and 27.1% as "Excellent." Conclusion:The study findings underscore the need for structured mentor development, clear guidelines, dedicated time, and enhanced support to strengthen FETP mentorship and public health capacity.

The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) faces significant public health challenges due to the increasing frequency and impact of pandemics, natural disasters, and ongoing political instability. Despite progress in areas such as vaccination rates, surveillance, and laboratory capacities, gaps in pandemic preparedness persist, underscoring the need for comprehensive, multi-sectoral strategies. The Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET) organized a roundtable during its Eighth Regional Conference to examine key aspects of pandemic preparedness and response, focusing on lessons learned from recent health crises like COVID-19. The session highlighted critical themes, including the importance of sustainable investments in preparedness, addressing health workforce shortages, fostering multi-sectoral collaboration, and prioritizing equity. Panelists and participants emphasized the necessity of trust-building and community engagement as foundational elements for effective health interventions. Discussions also explored innovative frameworks, such as the WHO’s Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) initiative, which integrates adaptable and transmission-based approaches. The roundtable concluded with a call for stronger leadership, enhanced governance, and institutionalized learning mechanisms to ensure that lessons from past crises are effectively integrated into future strategies. By transitioning from reactive responses to proactive preparedness, the EMR can build resilient health systems capable of managing future public health emergencies and advancing regional and global health security.

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are an increasing public health challenge in both the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) and Africa, where they contribute to premature mortality and overall disease burden. Despite the availability of cost-effective “Best Buy” interventions, implementation across these regions has been uneven due to various barriers, including limited resources, inadequate multi-sectoral collaboration, and competing health priorities. These challenges are compounded by emerging public health threats like mental health disorders and environmental factors such as air pollution, recently integrated into the expanded “5×5” framework for NCD prevention and management. This paper presents findings from a roundtable held during EMPHNET’s 8th Biennial Regional Conference, which focused on strategies to implement and scale up “Best Buy” interventions in the EMR and Africa. The roundtable gathered regional and global experts to examine successful NCD prevention efforts, explore implementation barriers, and highlight collaboration opportunities. Discussions centered on the need for tailored, context-specific interventions, stronger multi-sectoral partnerships, and increased political commitment to address the growing NCD burden. Sustainable financing was emphasized, with recommendations for establishing innovative funding mechanisms, such as regional NCD and mental health-related funds. Building workforce capacity was highlighted as critical to improving NCD management in resource-constrained settings, particularly through task-shifting models and NCD integration into training programs like the Field Epidemiology Training Program. The discussions underscored the urgency of adopting a whole-of-system approach to addressing NCDs, leveraging lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen health systems, especially primary health care, and integrate NCD prevention efforts into broader health agendas across both regions.

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza has created an unprecedented public health emergency, accompanied by the destruction of critical healthcare infrastructure, widespread shortages of essential resources, and the displacement of millions of the Gazan population. The escalation of conflict since October 2023 has severely strained Gaza’s already fragile health system. As a result, there has been an alarming increase in communicable diseases, malnutrition, and mental health challenges. Furthermore, healthcare facilities and healthcare workers have been systematically targeted, which has led the primary and emergency healthcare services to be on the brink of collapse and has led to significant gaps in immunization coverage. In response to these challenges, the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET) organized two sessions during its Eighth Regional Conference in 2024. These sessions, “Public Health in Gaza: Priorities and Solutions” and “The War on Gaza: Challenges and Opportunities for the Health Sector,” gathered experts, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to discuss the immediate and long-term implications of the crisis and to call for action. Key areas of focus included emergency response planning, primary healthcare, communicable and non-communicable diseases, mental health support, and workforce capacity development. The discussions highlighted the urgent need for multi-sectoral collaboration and international support to address immediate healthcare needs and build a sustainable, resilient health system for Gaza. Recommendations included, first and foremost, ending the aggression, opening the borders, and stopping the illegal siege. Other recommendations included strengthening health governance structures, ensuring the protection of healthcare workers, and integrating innovative frameworks such as event- based disease surveillance and community-based mental health interventions. The sessions underscored the essential role of partnerships among local authorities, international organizations, and humanitarian agencies in fostering recovery and resilience. By prioritizing equity, resilience, and sustainability, the recommendations aim to guide efforts in rebuilding a functional and holistic healthcare system for Gaza’s future. The data and analysis presented reflect the status of Gaza’s public health system up to September 2024, based on insights shared during EMPHNET’s Eighth Regional Conference.

The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) faces a range of complex public health challenges, including endemic diseases, recurrent outbreaks, and weak health systems exacerbated by political instability and humanitarian crises. Public health networks play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges by fostering collaboration, enhancing workforce capacity, and strengthening disease prevention and response systems. This manuscript examines the contributions of the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET) as a model for leveraging public health networks to improve health systems and outcomes in the EMR. EMPHNET operates across multiple public health domains, including disease surveillance, routine immunization, polio eradication, emergency management, non-communicable diseases, neglected tropical disease (NTDs), and One Health initiatives. Through its strategic partnerships with ministries of health, international organizations, and academic institutions, EMPHNET has strengthened epidemiological capacity, supported mass vaccination campaigns, and advanced research and policy development. Notable initiatives include enhancing syndromic surveillance and implementing laboratory-based brucellosis surveillance. In addition to infectious disease control, EMPHNET has made significant strides in maternal and child health, workforce development, and digital health innovations. It has supported national immunization strategies, developed digital health tools for real-time surveillance, and provided capacity-building programs for frontline healthcare workers. Furthermore, EMPHNET's contributions to biosecurity, antimicrobial resistance, and NTDs underscore its commitment to addressing both regional and global health threats. In conclusion, EMPHNET has emerged as a leading organization in strengthening public health systems in the EMR. Its work highlights the critical role of public health networks in building resilience, enhancing emergency preparedness, and improving population health outcomes.

Introduction: Many international search and rescue teams were deployed to the devastating earthquake of Southeastern Turkey and Northern Syria on February 6th, 2023, including the Jordan International Search and Rescue Team (JSAR). This study aims to explore the challenges faced by the JSAR team members during their deployment. Methods: We employed a qualitative face-to-face semi-structured interview approach. Eighteen respondents were interviewed using an interview guide. Interviews took between 25 and 60 minutes (mean 45 minutes). Data were transcribed verbatim and an inductive thematic approach was used to analyze data and develop codes, categories, and themes. Results: The challenges were categorized into three main themes; logistical, coordination, and environmental. Logistical challenges included delays in deployment due to government and flight arrangements, difficulties in transporting excess equipment, and a lack of fuel upon arrival that led to delays in setting up camp and heating. Coordination challenges involved disruption in operation schedule and difficulties working with local volunteer responders. Environmental challenges encompassed extreme cold temperatures, which affected personnel comfort and performance, and recurrent aftershocks, which complicated rescue operations and posed safety risks. Conclusion: The JSAR experience highlights that technical readiness alone is insufficient for effective disaster response. Findings from this study underscore significant gaps in logistics, coordination, and environmental adaptation. These gaps can be addressed through improved pre-deployment coordination, context-specific resource planning, and better collaboration mechanisms between host countries and international teams, which would be crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of international search and rescue operations. Host governments, International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) stakeholders, and emergency management bodies can build on these lessons to better integrate specialized teams, reduce procedural delays, and enhance global disaster response systems.

In 2023, Sudan was affected by a major cholera outbreak affected 10 states amidst armed conflict that severely disrupted the health services. This study aimed to describe the magnitude, pattern, and trend (2023-2024) of cholera outbreak in Sudan across different states. Cholera outbreak caused significant morbidity and mortality facilitated the armed conflict that hampered the response by damaging infrastructure, displacing people, and disrupting healthcare services. Effective control requires rapid response with trained healthcare workers, long-term investments in water infrastructure and community-based solutions.

Countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR) face interconnected risks at the human, animal, and environmental interface. This Perspective synthesizes lessons from a roundtable convened during the EMPHNET 8th Biennial Regional Conference (Amman, 15–18 September 2024) to identify near-term actions to operationalize One Health. The two-hour session featured five presentations, a panel, and open discussion with 68 participants from human, animal, and environmental health, food safety, life sciences, and social sciences. Rapporteur notes and slides were independently reviewed by two authors and consolidated into cross-cutting themes. Five priorities emerged: workforce development and mentorship; governance and multisectoral coordination; surveillance, data integration, and joint risk assessment; financing and sustainability; and climate and environmental determinants. Participants emphasized Competencies for One Health Field Epidemiology (COHFE)-aligned competency pathways, institutionalized coordination with defined roles, interoperable surveillance products using shared case definitions, early joint risk assessments with explicit triggers, and sustained cross-sector rapid response capacity. They called for embedding One Health tasks in national budgets, aligning external support to government plans, and integrating health within climate policies and investments. Egypt case illustrated national organization of governance, surveillance, and financing. The roundtable offers a practice-oriented entry point for EMR decision makers to operationalize One Health in the near term.

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic encouraged the shift toward technology-based learning globally, impacting education systems profoundly. In response to this emerging need, the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET) adapted its Public Health Empowerment Program-Basic Field Epidemiology (PHEP-BFE) to a Blended Learning Model. This study evaluates the Blended PHEP-BFE program in Iraq, Egypt, and Lebanon, focusing on participant reactions and learning outcomes.MethodsA descriptive evaluation was conducted, aligned with the first two levels of Kirkpatrick's model. Online questionnaires were administered to participants and facilitators through EMPHNET's Learning Management System (LMS). Qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed to assess program effectiveness, satisfaction, and challenges.ResultsA total of 138 PHEP-BFE participants (119 (86.2%) males and 19 (13.8%) females) from Iraq (n = 61), Egypt (n = 66), and Lebanon (n = 11) responded to the questionnaire. The majority of the participants (96.4%) reported that they were satisfied with PHEP-BFE. Notably, 77.5% of participants rated the blended learning program as very good or excellent, 18.1% rated it good, and 3.6% found it average, with a minimal 0.7% expressing dissatisfaction. The majority of participants agreed that the blended PHEP-BFE enhanced their capacity to conduct, review and monitor surveillance data (95.7%), perform descriptive data analysis (94.2%), effectively communicate information with agency staff and the local community (95.7%), write summaries of surveillance findings or outbreak investigations (95.7%), use MS Excel to enter, analyze, and display public health surveillance data (91.3%), prepare and administer an oral presentation for fieldwork (94.9%), and increase their knowledge of fundamental field epidemiology (94.9%). The participants responded positively to the program's content, training duration, learning platform, facilitators and mentors, and fieldwork.ConclusionThe study showcases the success of the blended PHEP-BFE in diverse contexts, emphasizing positive participant reactions and improved competencies. The evaluation underscores the program's success in advancing public health training in the EMR. Blended learning models prove promising for future FETP initiatives, contributing valuable insights to public health workforce development. Positive outcomes and identified challenges, provide a roadmap for continuous improvement.

ObjectivesField Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) are competency-based training programs that play a critical role in strengthening global health security and enhancing the epidemiological capabilities of public health professionals. This scoping review examined available published literature on the evaluations of FETPs globally.MethodsA literature review was conducted to evaluate FETPs globally. Keywords specific to the evaluation of FETPs were utilized to search the PubMed, Scopus, and Web Science databases. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 relevant studies from an initial pool of 60 were included in this study. Data extraction included key details, and a qualitative synthesis organized diverse findings using a narrative approach to draw appropriate conclusions and generate recommendations.ResultsThe review covered findings from 12 studies covering all three FETP modalities and spanning countries in various regions. Evaluations explored gained skills, engagement in FETP activities, and improvements in field epidemiological functions. Gained skills and knowledge, engagement in FETP activities, and improvements in field epidemiological functions were evident, with specific expectations for each FETP tier. Positive outcomes were consistent across studies, revealing improvements in surveillance activities, outbreak response, data management, and other system functions.ConclusionThis review confirmed the positive impact of FETPs on trainees and graduates, which emphasized competency enhancements across different modalities. Various strategies are recommended to improve the evaluation of FETPs. For effective evaluation, it is necessary to develop robust evaluation tools and establish standardized metrics to compare FETPs across regions or countries.

BackgroundOn April 15, 2023, the armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) started in Khartoum state, Sudan. This conflict was complicated by the preexisting complicated epidemiological situation and fragile health system in Sudan. This study endeavors to illuminate the pivotal role essayed by the Sudan FETP (SFETP) in enhancing the nation’s public health response, particularly amidst the tumultuous backdrop of armed conflicts that have left their indelible mark on the region.MethodsEmploying a blend of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, we investigated the SFETP’s contributions to the public health response during the initial 4 months of the conflict (April–July 2023). Sixty-four SFETP residents and graduates were invited to participate, and data were gathered through semi-structured questionnaires.ResultsA total of 44 (69%) SFETP residents and graduates were included in this study. Out of 38 SFETPs present in the states, 32 have considerably contributed to the crisis response at state and locality levels. Three-quarters of them have played key leadership, planning, and management roles. In essence, 38% (n = 12) of them have contributed to public health surveillance, particularly in data management, reports, Early Warning Alert and Response System (EWAR) establishment, and epidemic investigation. SFETPs have made special contributions to crisis response at the community level. The involved SFETPs supported WASH interventions (n = 4), and almost one-third of them strengthened risk communication and community engagement (n = 9). Despite their physical presence at the subnational level, 27% of graduates were not deployed to the crisis emergency response. Notably, throughout this time, half of the total SFETPs were formally retained during this response.ConclusionThe study highlighted the importance of FETP engagement and support during public health crises. SFETP residents and graduates played diverse roles in the various levels of public health emergency response to the crisis. However. Strategies to improve the deployment and retention of FETP residents are necessary to ensure their availability during crises. Overall, FETP has proven to be an asset in public health crisis management in Sudan.