On December 21, 2025, the EMPHNET Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) Board of Directors convened virtually for its second biannual meeting, bringing together FETP Directors from across the Eastern Mediterranean Region and other priority countries, as well as the EMPHNET team. The meeting provided an important platform to review progress across country programs, address shared challenges, and provide strategic guidance to strengthen the sustainability, quality, and impact of FETPs across the region.

FETPs as a Cornerstone of Workforce Development

Chaired by Prof. Nissaf Bou Afif, Chairperson of the FETP Board of Directors, and facilitated by Prof. Yousef Khader, Director of the Center of Excellence for Applied Epidemiology (CEAE), the meeting reaffirmed the Board’s role in overseeing the strategic direction of FETPs and supporting their integration within national public health systems. Discussions emphasized that FETPs remain a cornerstone of workforce development, outbreak preparedness and response, surveillance strengthening, and evidence-based decision-making across diverse country contexts.

Participants reviewed progress achieved since the previous Board meeting, held May 2025, highlighting EMPHNET’s continued investment in needs-based, competency-driven training delivered through flexible learning modalities. Updates included advances in continuing education activities, expansion of peer learning opportunities, and support for the establishment of new FETPs and specialized training tracks in priority areas such as One Health, mental health, and respiratory diseases.

FETPs Integration Within National Health Systems

The meeting underscored the evolving role of FETPs as integrated components of national health systems rather than stand-alone training initiatives, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings where trained epidemiologists remain essential to emergency response and surveillance functions.

Sustainability as an Immediate Priority

Sustainability emerged as a central theme throughout the meeting. FETP Directors highlighted ongoing challenges related to limited institutionalization, mentorship constraints, and unclear career pathways for graduates. They emphasized sustainability as an immediate priority, calling for strengthened country ownership, targeted advocacy, and long-term integration of FETPs within national structures.

Regional Collaboration Through the FETP Exchange Program

Participants also highlighted the importance of the EMPHNET FETP Exchange Program as a strategic mechanism for peer learning, quality improvement, and regional collaboration. Updates demonstrated progress in refining the Exchange Program through standardized planning tools and guidance to enhance its effectiveness and consistency across countries.

Country Program Updates: Shared Achievements and Common Challenges

FETP Directors from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Yemen, and Palestine shared updates on achievements, challenges, and future. Despite operating in diverse contexts, common priorities emerged, including strengthening institutionalization, expanding intermediate and advanced training, enhancing quality assurance, and reinforcing mentorship systems.

Linking Training to Accredited Learning Opportunities

Participants also discussed learning opportunities available through accredited programs offered by the International Academy of Public Health (IAPH), including pathways that link FETP training with postgraduate education. These discussions reinforced the Board’s commitment to strengthening professional development and long-term workforce capacity beyond training alone.

Looking Ahead: Continued Board Leadership and Regional Commitment

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment by the Board of Directors, FETP Directors, and EMPHNET to continue strengthening FETPs through strategic oversight, technical support, advocacy, and regional coordination, reinforcing EMPHNET’s role as a convener and partner in advancing sustainable public health capacity across the Eastern Mediterranean Region.