The EMPHNET Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) Board of Directors serves as a regional platform that brings together FETP directors and representatives from ministries of health and national public health institutes to strengthen field epidemiology capacity across the Eastern Mediterranean Region and other priority countries.

Through its biannual meetings, the Board provides an opportunity to review progress, exchange experiences, identify emerging needs, and guide the strategic direction of the regional FETP network. It also supports collaboration among country programs, promotes peer learning, facilitates technical exchange, and strengthens coordination across the regional FETP network.

Bringing Together the Regional FETP Network

The first biannual meeting of the EMPHNET FETP Board of Directors for fiscal year 2025–2026 was held virtually on June 8, 2026, under the chairmanship of Prof. Nissaf Bouafif Ben Alaya, Chairperson of EMPHNET's FETP Board of Directors and Director of Tunisia FETP.

Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Mohannad Al Nsour, Executive Director of EMPHNET, and the meeting was facilitated by Prof. Yousef Khader, Director of EMPHNET's Center of Excellence for Applied Epidemiology (CEAE).

In his opening remarks, Dr. Al Nsour welcomed Kuwait FETP and Syria FETP as the newest members of the regional network and he emphasized the importance of collaboration among Board members, ministries of health, and partner institutions in strengthening the public health workforce. He also highlighted climate change, mental health, One Health, specialized training, alumni networking, and exchange opportunities as emerging priorities for the continued development of the regional FETP network.

The meeting brought together FETP directors and representatives from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen, in addition to representatives from Somalia and Mauritania, alongside EMPHNET leadership and technical teams.

Throughout the meeting, participants reviewed progress since the previous Board meeting held in December 2025, discussed the establishment of new FETPs, examined the expansion of specialized FETP tracks, identified areas where country programs require additional support, and considered strategic priorities for strengthening field epidemiology capacity across the region.

Institutionalization: The Foundation for Sustainable FETPs

A central theme throughout the meeting was the institutionalization of FETPs as the foundation for their long-term sustainability.

Discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening national ownership, governance structures, sustainable financing mechanisms, integration within national health systems, and partnerships with academic institutions to support the long-term institutionalization of FETPs.

Country discussions demonstrated that while significant progress has been achieved around sustainability across the network, several challenges continue to affect implementation. These include funding and administrative constraints, staff turnover, university affiliation, conflict-related workforce losses, fragmented governance, and the need to establish clear career pathways for FETP graduates and mentors. Participants also highlighted the importance of expanding regional learning opportunities, strengthening technical support, and improving workforce retention.

The meeting reaffirmed that institutionalization remains essential to ensuring that FETPs continue to strengthen national public health systems and contribute to long-term workforce development.

Setting the Strategic Direction for the Regional FETP Network

During the closing session, the Board outlined several strategic priorities to guide the continued development of FETPs across the region. Prof. Ben Alaya emphasized that FETPs should be fully integrated into national public health systems and supported through long-term national strategies rather than being implemented as time-limited projects.

Discussions also highlighted the importance of establishing clear career pathways for graduates, expanding national investment alongside partner support, and maintaining strong leadership from program directors, EMPHNET, mentors, and technical partners should prepare the next generation of public health leaders. These priorities build on EMPHNET's continued efforts to strengthen country ownership while supporting high-quality field epidemiology training across the region.

Advancing Innovation, Specialized Training, and Regional Learning

In addition to discussions on institutionalization, the Board reviewed several initiatives that continue to shape the future of the regional FETP network.

Participants welcomed the establishment of Syria FETP and Kuwait FETP, highlighting the continued expansion of field epidemiology training across the region. The meeting also reviewed progress in specialized FETP tracks responding to national workforce needs, including One Health, veterinary epidemiology, respiratory surveillance, mental health, immunization, vector control, and climate and environmental epidemiology. Board members emphasized that these specialized tracks should continue to be guided by documented country needs and evidence-based workforce assessments.

The Board also highlighted the importance of strengthening regional collaboration through exchange programs, peer learning, alumni engagement, and communities of practice. Discussions explored opportunities to expand impact evaluation, digital learning, and the appropriate use of artificial intelligence to support program quality and visibility. Participants also reviewed follow-up actions related to Pandemic Fund implementation, institutionalization workshops, and continued collaboration on regional initiatives, including the proposed Arab Center for Epidemiology.

As the meeting concluded, Board members reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration across the regional FETP network and ensuring that FETPs continue to evolve in response to national priorities while strengthening the public health workforce across the region.