Program
Field Epidemiology and Training Program (FETP) — Pakistan
The Field Epidemiology and Training Program (FETP) is a collaborative initiative of the National Institute of Health (NIH) Pakistan, the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA.
The program is designed to strengthen Pakistan's International Health Regulations (IHR) core capacities by developing a skilled public health workforce capable of real-time disease surveillance, outbreak detection and response, public health emergency management, and evidence-based policy decision-making.
FETP has played a vital role in strengthening Pakistan's national public health systems and enhancing data-driven decision-making.
Key Workforce Capabilities
- Real-time disease surveillance
- Outbreak detection and response
- Public health emergency management
- Evidence-based policy decision-making
Workforce Development and Program Impact
Over the years, FETP Pakistan has significantly expanded its reach and impact across multiple sectors.
390
Advanced Field Epidemiologists graduated
700+
Frontline FETP Fellows trained
2,500+
Government Officials trained through short courses
Training Programs and Structure
FETP currently offers two training tracks: the Advanced Course (2 years) and the Frontline Course (3 months), both designed for government officials selected through a defined eligibility process.
The Advanced Course includes 13 weeks of coursework at NIH, followed by an extensive field placement. Approximately 75% of the training is field-based, conducted in PDSRUs and other settings to build hands-on competencies.
Multisectoral Workforce Inclusion
The program includes professionals from:
- Public health and healthcare systems
- Veterinary and livestock sectors (One Health approach)
- Pakistan Armed Forces
Major Public Health Contributions
The FETP-trained workforce has contributed to major national public health initiatives, including:
- Surveillance and Health System Strengthening
- Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Outbreak Response
- One Health and Cross-Sector Collaboration — integrating human, animal, and environmental health
- Polio Eradication Support — NSTOP Initiative
Future Vision
FETP Pakistan continues to expand its role in strengthening national and global health security by:
- Enhancing workforce capacity at all health system levels
- Expanding multisectoral collaboration
- Strengthening real-time surveillance and outbreak analytics
- Supporting Pakistan's compliance with International Health Regulations
