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The LFETP resides in the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) and is linked closely to the Division of Infectious Disease Epidemiology (DIDE) and Division of Training and Capacity-Building. The Director of DIDE serves as the Program Director for LFETP. Most LFETP trainings are conducted in the Training Unit of NPHIL.

Background

The Liberia Field Epidemiology Training Program (LFETP) was established in August 2015 with funding from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and implementation support from the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET). In its initial year, Emory University played a pivotal role in setting up and implementing the program.

Currently, the LFETP is housed within the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) and works closely with the Division of Infectious Disease Epidemiology (DIDE) and Division of Training and Capacity-Building. The Program Director for LFETP is also the Director of DIDE. The majority of LFETP trainings are conducted at the Training Unit of NPHIL.

The LFETP consists of two levels: FETP-Frontline and FETP-Intermediate. Over the past five years, ten graduates from LFETP-Intermediate have enrolled in the Advanced FETP in Ghana. The program has trained medical, environmental, laboratory, and animal health personnel from NPHIL, Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Defense. In 2021, the Executive FETP was introduced as a six-week training package specifically designed for surveillance officer supervisors, equipping them with the necessary skills to support the implementation of the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response.

As of September 2024, the LFETP has graduated 291 individuals across 13 cohorts at the Frontline level. Additionally, 116 individuals have completed the program in eight cohorts at the Intermediate level. 

Moreover, the LFETP has trained 39 Medical Directors from three cohorts of the Executive FETP, providing them with essential leadership skills to enhance major health facilities. 

These achievements underscore the continuous growth and impact of the LFETP in developing skilled epidemiologists and strengthening public health capacity in Liberia. We remain dedicated to delivering high-quality training and nurturing the next generation of public health leaders.

 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

CDC’s Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) has three tiers of training: frontline, intermediate, and advanced. FETP Frontline training is a three-month in-service program that focuses on detection of and response to disease or events of public health importance.

  • FETP Frontline was started in Liberia in August 2015 and aims to improve the surveillance, epidemiology, response, and scientific communication skills of public health workers at district, county, and national levels. Those who complete the training receive a Certificate of Graduation signed by the Liberian Health authorities, CDC, and AFENET.
  • The FETP Intermediate commenced in April 2017 with an implementation workshop of all stakeholders in February 2017. FETP-Intermediate is a 9-month training program comprised of five in-person workshops and applied field epidemiology work at their site of employment. Those who complete this program will gain skills in disease surveillance, outbreak investigation and response, data quality and management, observational studies, and public health communication.
  • An additional tier, the Executive FETP, has been added, targeted at Public Health supervisors whose primary responsibility is not field practice but who supervise the personnel responsible for disease surveillance at the health facility or in the field.

FETP

Intermediate Benefits

  • Increased capacity among staff to recognize public health problems pertinent to the population
  • Increased completion, timeliness, and accuracy of surveillance data reporting and analysis at regional and local levels
  • Increased capacity among staff to provide a descriptive analysis of a public health problem
  • Stronger culture of data-based decision making
  • A network of well-trained surveillance officers in the country
  • Surveillance officers will be better equipped for early detection and control of outbreaks
  • There will be increased capacity for research to improve surveillance systems
  • Sustainability of the FETP will be enhanced by increased capacity for facilitation and mentorship for the frontline FETP
  • Findings from group studies conducted can guide policy
  • Creates opportunity for health workers to build a career in field epidemiology
  • Attainment of Global Health Security Agenda

About Us

The Liberia Field Epidemiology Training Program (LFETP) began in August 2015. The program is funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and implemented by the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET). Emory University was instrumental and directly involved in standing up and implementing the program for the first year of LFETP’s existence.
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Contact Details

Office Address:

Apartment 1, Harmon Compound, Opposite Last Mile Health Office, Congo Town, Monrovia, Liberia.
  • +231888888837 / +231777556050
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