The first Field Epidemiology Training Program to be established in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, the program of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made important contributions to the national public health system over the years. The program responded to the need of improving preventive programs for communicable and non-communicable diseases. One example is launching the Diploma in Field Epidemiology, a postgraduate diploma awarded by King Saud University College of Medicine in Riyadh, which is one of the main teaching activities of this FETP and is highly recognized.
The program is renowned for providing critical epidemiological support during each Hajj season, one of the areas of focus of this program. The program also assists in developing a number of national preventive programs by participating in a number of national research studies conducted by the Public Health Authority of Saudi Arabia.
Achievements
- Publishing a quarterly scientific bulletin since 1993, the Saudi Epidemiology Bulletin, with 19 volumes to date
- Investigating more than 15 outbreaks of diseases such as COVID-19, the Rift Valley Fever (1999-2000), Avian Flu (H1N1) (2005), MERS-CoV (2012-2013), and others
- Hosting two epidemiology conferences in collaboration with Saudi Epidemiology Association and other partners
- Completing over 15 analytic projects
- Providing continuous strong surveillance support
- Launching its Digital Public Health Library
- For COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to a decreased response time from 48 hours to 8 hours and led multiple COVID-19 investigations
Cohorts |
Establishment Year |
Modalities |
31 (Advanced) 3 (Basic) |
1989 |
Advanced Intermediate Basic |