Much of the work that protects communities from outbreaks takes place before a public health threat reaches the headlines. Field epidemiologists monitor surveillance systems, investigate early signals, analyze data, and support actions to detect and contain health threats.

To highlight this work, EMPHNET held the 58th session of its WEBi Series, “Behind the Alert: The Work That Stops Outbreaks,” on September 15, 2026, in commemoration of World Field Epidemiology Day (WFED). Under this year’s theme, “Protecting Communities from Behind the Scenes: The Power of Field Epidemiology,” the webinar brought together 177 participants, including FETP leaders, graduates, and public health experts, to examine how Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) strengthen preparedness, surveillance, investigation, and response.

The session was moderated by Dr. Mohannad Al Nsour, EMPHNET Executive Director, and Dr. Hamad Bastaki, Acting Director of Kuwait FETP at Kuwait CDC.

Building Field Epidemiology Capacity in Lebanon

Presenting the Lebanon FETP as one example of how programs across the region are strengthening national public health capacity, Dr. Nada Ghoson, Lebanon FETP Director, shared the journey of the program’s development and impact since its launch in 2022.

To date, the Lebanon FETP has completed seven cohorts and graduated 106 participants from institutions including the Ministry of Public Health, hospitals and medical centers, UNRWA, the Lebanese Red Cross, and the Ministry of Agriculture. Its training combines core epidemiology competencies with practical field skills and has been adapted across cohorts to priorities including COVID-19, polio, One Health, RSV, and respiratory infections.

Dr. Ghoson highlighted how the training has strengthened surveillance practice, including greater involvement of peripheral staff in producing surveillance reports at their own levels rather than relying solely on central reporting. Looking ahead, the Lebanon FETP plans to build on lessons from its frontline cohorts, expand basic-level training, and explore the introduction of a nine-month Intermediate FETP.

Applying FETP Skills in Outbreak Response in Sudan

The session also brought in the perspective of those working directly in the field.

Dr. Mohamed Awadallah, Field Epidemiologist and Public Health Officer at the General Administration of Health Emergencies and Epidemic Control in Northern State, Sudan, and a Sudan FETP graduate, shared his experience responding to a dengue outbreak in Merowe Locality.

He demonstrated how he applied the 7-1-7 approach to assess the timeliness of outbreak detection, notification, and early response in an area where dengue had not historically been endemic, using the framework to identify bottlenecks and opportunities for strengthening response.

Read more about Strengthening Outbreak Response Through 7-1-7: EAR Training and Simulation Exercise Workshop in the EMR.

Translating FETP Training into National Action in Qatar

The webinar also highlighted the longer-term journey of FETP graduates. Dr. Dhouha Hamdani, who is now the Lead of the National Infection Prevention and Control Program at the Healthcare Quality Department, Ministry of Public Health, Qatar, and an FETP graduate and mentor, reflected on her progression from resident to graduate and mentor, and on the support she received from FETP mentors, colleagues, and EMPHNET along the way.

Through examples from MRSA, healthcare-associated infection surveillance, and multidrug-resistant organisms, she showed how FETP projects informed practical improvements in policies, reporting, training, communication, and surveillance. She emphasized using what is learned through FETP to strengthen routine national programs and public health action.

Positioning FETPs as a Health System Investment

Bringing these country experiences into a broader regional perspective, Prof. Yousef Khader, Director of the Center of Excellence for Applied Epidemiology at EMPHNET, examined FETPs through the lens of health system capability.

He emphasized that their value extends beyond the number of epidemiologists trained. When graduates are effectively integrated into health systems, FETPs can strengthen surveillance, outbreak investigation, emergency response, evidence-informed decision-making, and preparedness.

Prof. Khader highlighted four conditions for sustaining this impact: institutional anchoring, workforce alignment, functional integration, and an adaptive curriculum. He also stressed the need for FETPs to evolve alongside emerging priorities, including climate and environmental epidemiology, One Health, digital technologies and AI, risk communication, humanitarian epidemiology, and mass gatherings.

Audience Discussion

The webinar concluded with a moderated discussion on how FETPs can continue adapting to changing public health needs and different country contexts. Topics included incorporating the 7-1-7 approach into FETP training and field assignments, adapting training materials to national contexts, and sustaining FETP activities during conflict and emergencies.

The discussion also explored emerging areas such as AI-supported outbreak analytics and mass-gathering surveillance, alongside the need to institutionalize FETPs within national health systems, strengthen domestic financing, and ensure graduates can apply their skills in surveillance, preparedness, and response.

Key Takeaways

• FETPs strengthen public health systems by building practical capacity in surveillance, outbreak investigation, data use, and response.
• Experiences from Lebanon, Sudan, and Qatar illustrated how FETP training can be applied in routine public health practice, outbreak response, and national programs.
• FETPs need to adapt to country contexts, emerging risks, and new tools while maintaining their core field epidemiology competencies.
• Sustaining their impact requires institutionalization, workforce integration, continued investment, and opportunities for graduates to apply their skills within national health systems.

Watch the webinar here.

Explore more sessions from the EMPHNET WEBi Series here.