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

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.

Automated summary

This article documents the contributions of Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) trainees and graduates to global COVID-19 preparedness and response efforts. Surveys and qualitative analysis were conducted to quantify their engagement and identify common themes in their activities. The findings show that both trainees and graduates were extensively involved in response activities, with graduates being more frequently engaged. Common themes included epidemiology and surveillance, risk communication, monitoring and assessment, logistics and operations management, training and capacity building, and guideline and protocol development. These findings highlight the wide-ranging utility of FETPs in strengthening countries' emergency response capacity and advancing global health security.