A well-prepared public health workforce is essential for strong health systems and effective response to emerging health challenges. Countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) continue to experience increasing threats that demand trained professionals at all levels of the health system. Global commitments emphasize the need to support countries in advancing workforce capacities, improving response functions, and strengthening systems for health security.

EMPHNET works with ministries of health, training institutions, and partners to support sustainable workforce development through programs that build competencies in applied epidemiology, emergency response, public health practice, and other priority areas highlighted by countries across the region.

Check our Workforce Development Area Profile

Countries across the region face an ongoing need for a strong and competent public health workforce able to meet current and emerging challenges. Many systems require institutionalized, practice-based training programs that build skills in surveillance, field investigation, emergency response, data management, and other essential public health functions. These needs are growing as health threats become more complex, and as countries work to improve their core public health capacities.

We support workforce development because sustainable progress depends on training models that are aligned with national priorities and owned by the countries themselves. By strengthening the workforce at every level, countries are better equipped to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats. Our long-standing partnerships and our experience in building practical, scalable, and country-driven training programs position us as a key contributor to advancing workforce capacities across the EMR.

• Needs-Based Training: Training programs are designed around country-identified priorities and public health functions that require strengthened capacity.
• Applied, Practice-Focused Learning: Programs emphasize real-world experience through case studies, fieldwork, and hands-on activities that translate theory into practice.
• Flexible Delivery Models: Training uses in-person, virtual, and blended formats to reach health workers at national and subnational levels.
• Sustainability and Institutionalization: Supporting countries in integrating and institutionalizing training programs within national systems to ensure long-term continuity.
• Regional Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange: Countries benefit from shared learning, regional expertise, and collaborative capacity-building efforts.

We strengthen workforce capacities by supporting comprehensive training, institutional development, and continuous learning opportunities that equip public health professionals to meet national and regional needs.

• Building Capacities Across Public Health Functions

We support countries in strengthening core competencies across multiple areas, including applied epidemiology, public health emergency response, and other priority topics identified by ministries of health.

• Supporting Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs)

We work closely with countries to strengthen FETPs by offering technical support, facilitating coordination, and contributing to the advancement of field epidemiology training pathways at different levels.

• Public Health Emergency Preparedness Training

We collaborate with countries to build workforce capacities needed for preparedness and response, including training across relevant disciplines and supporting national strategies to enhance readiness.

• Expanding Opportunities for Continuous Learning

Through structured programs, training packages, and regional collaboration, we support ongoing professional development and knowledge-sharing across the public health workforce.

• Institutional Support for Workforce Systems

We work with national institutions to improve training structures, align programs with country priorities, and enhance long-term workforce sustainability.

• Supporting Workforce Development Through Education Pathways

We contribute to advancing public health education in the region by supporting institutional frameworks, structured learning programs, and opportunities for competency development.