Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) have been one of the most successful interventions aimed at strengthening the global public health workforce, with programs currently operational in more than 85 countries. Over the last 40 years, multiple stakeholders have been involved in field epidemiology training, either directly or indirectly, yet their efforts have often been focused on individual countries or regions or a specific professional group. In addition, there has been an increasing recognition that the creation of successful, sustainable FETPs requires not just training activities but also multi-disciplinary and trans-sectoral coordination and holistic support to build capacity within public health institutions and systems.
Recognizing these needs, in 2024, a group of national, regional, and global stakeholders established the Global Field Epidemiology Partnership (GFEP) – a network of government agencies, multilateral and bilateral organizations, NGOs, academic, philanthropic, private sectors, and implementing partners. GFEP has tangible objectives, deliverables, performance measurement, governance, and day-to-day coordination mechanisms to fulfill its vision and mission. TEPHINET serves as GFEP’s Secretariat.
All countries have robust field epidemiology capacities to protect their population’s health and contribute to global health security.
GFEP convenes a network of national, regional, and global stakeholders, mobilizes technical and financial resources, and advocates for the expansion and integration of field epidemiology capacities into national health systems.
The Global Field Epidemiology Partnership (GFEP) is a global network of partners that enables its member institutions to engage in, collaborate and contribute in a coordinated manner towards addressing the many challenges faced by field epidemiology community worldwide.
Please view GFEP’s Theory of Change and how it’s placed in the Global Health Architecture.
Today, as we mark World Field Epidemiology Day, we celebrate the unsung heroes who tirelessly work to protect our health and safeguard our communities: field epidemiologists.