The Republic of Maldives has taken a significant step forward in strengthening its disease surveillance and outbreak response capacity with the graduation of six new trainers from WHO’s Field Epidemiology Intermediate Training Program (FETP) Training of Trainers. This milestone marks a crucial investment in the country’s public health infrastructure, ensuring a more robust and responsive system to detect, prevent, and control disease outbreaks.
Field epidemiology is often described as the detective work of public health. It enables experts to track the origins and spread of diseases, even before the exact causative agent is identified. This approach is critical for rapid response, effective containment, and protecting vulnerable populations from infectious diseases. In a geographically dispersed country like Maldives, where islands are separated by vast distances, having trained professionals who can act swiftly and decisively is essential for preventing large-scale outbreaks.
The successful completion of this third and final training session under the Field Epidemiology Intermediate Training Program Training of Trainers program is a testament to the Maldives' growing commitment to field epidemiology. This initiative is not just about training individuals; it is about building a sustainable public health network that will continue to serve the nation for years to come. These six dedicated professionals have undergone an intensive, hands-on training program, equipping them with the skills needed to monitor, investigate, and respond to disease outbreaks. More importantly, as trainers, they will now mentor and guide others, expanding the impact of the program and ensuring that essential epidemiological skills are embedded at the local level. Their dedication and hard work are truly commendable, and their contributions will significantly strengthen disease surveillance and outbreak preparedness across the country.
“The success of this program would not have been possible without the unwavering support and expertise of several key partners including the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office, the Thailand Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP), Dr. Masaya Kato, Dr. Kevi, Dr. Nazla Rafeeq, Aminath Aroosha, Dr. Matt Griffith, and Dr. Aidan Yuen have all played an instrumental role in shaping this program. Their guidance, technical expertise, and commitment have empowered a new generation of public health leaders in the Maldives.” said Ms Payden, Acting WHO Representative to Maldives.
With these six new trainers now prepared to share their knowledge, the next phase of this initiative is cascading training to atoll focal persons. This critical step will bring life-saving epidemiological expertise to every community across the Maldives, ensuring that even the most remote islands have trained personnel capable of detecting and responding to health threats. This initiative is part of the National Action Plan for FETP, a strategic roadmap designed to institutionalize and sustain field epidemiology in the Maldives. The swift finalization and endorsement of this plan will be essential in securing long-term investments in public health workforce development, outbreak preparedness, and emergency response.
These six graduates are now public health champions, playing a pivotal role in safeguarding communities across the Maldives. By investing in their training and expertise, the country is taking a proactive approach to disease prevention and control, ensuring a healthier and safer future for all. As we celebrate this achievement, we remain committed to expanding epidemiological capacity, strengthening health systems, and building resilience against future health threats. The journey continues; with WHO’s support, High level political commitment and with dedicated professionals leading the way, Maldives is well on its way to establishing a strong and sustainable field epidemiology network.