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COMPLIANCE TRAINING PROGRAMS IN SIERRA LEONE IMPROVE PUBLIC HEALTH WORKFORCE, BOOST OUTBREAK RESPONSE CAPACITY

In response to the 2014-2015 Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in Sierra Leone, the government and international partners launched a comprehensive Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) to develop a well-trained public health workforce. Since its inception in June 2016, the program has made significant strides in improving the epidemiological capacity of Sierra Leone’s public health system.

Program Structure

The FETP currently consists of two tiers:

Frontline Level

A three-month basic course designed to equip public health staff with fundamental knowledge and skills in field epidemiology.

Intermediate Level

A nine- to ten-month training course focused on building surveillance and outbreak response skills, with 54 participants having undergone in-service training to date.

Achievements

The FETP’s achievements are evident in its contributions to improved outbreak responses:

  • In 2019, graduates of the program led a successful response to a Lassa fever outbreak in Tonkolili District, containing the infection within the hospital before it spread to the community.
  • The following year, FETP graduates detected the first-ever case of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) in Sierra Leone and responded to the outbreak.
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, FETP graduates played a crucial role in identifying hotspots, mapping infection sources, and leading key pillars of the national response.

Research Outputs

The program has also produced numerous research studies on topics such as:

  • Maternal healthcare access
  • Water sanitation hygiene practices
  • Antibiotic resistance among healthcare workers
  • Vaccine hesitancy

International Recognition

The Sierra Leone FETP has presented abstracts at regional and international conferences, showcasing its expertise in field epidemiology. The Intermediate level of the program was accredited by TEPHINET in 2022, a testament to its quality and effectiveness.

Conclusion

Overall, the Field Epidemiology Training Program in Sierra Leone has demonstrated significant improvements in public health workforce capacity, outbreak response capabilities, and research productivity. Its continued success is essential for ensuring the country’s preparedness for future public health threats.