Dr. Amr Kandil, Deputy Minister of Health and Population, inaugurated the training of the first regional cohort of the Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) in its specialized mental health track. The program is organized by the Preventive Medicine and Public Health Sector in cooperation with the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), with the participation of 24 trainees from Egypt and several African countries.
Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, explained that launching this cohort represents an important milestone in regional cooperation in the fields of preventive medicine and public health. He added that it reflects Egypt’s commitment to sharing its expertise in developing healthcare professionals, supporting the advancement of surveillance and emergency response systems, and improving the preparedness of health systems across the region.
Dr. Amr Kandil emphasized that health challenges and emergencies are no longer limited by geographical borders, and that any health event can quickly extend its impact to neighboring countries and the world. This makes strengthening health security a shared responsibility that requires integrated efforts, the exchange of expertise, and the development of qualified professionals capable of responding effectively to crises.
He added that Egypt’s Field Epidemiology Training Program has a history spanning more than three decades and is considered one of the region’s leading models for training preventive medicine professionals. The program has expanded to include three training levels and specialized tracks, including One Health, disease vector control, and immunization. The mental health track aims to equip epidemiologists with skills to monitor and manage crises while incorporating the psychological dimension into response efforts, thereby improving the quality of interventions and supporting those affected.
Dr. Amr Kandil expressed his appreciation for the program’s partners, including the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, stressing that this cohort represents the foundation for establishing a sustainable regional network of specialists in epidemiology and mental health. The network will contribute to knowledge exchange, strengthen cooperation, and support the readiness of health systems to face future challenges.
Meanwhile, Dr. Radi Hamad, Head of the Preventive Medicine and Public Health Sector, announced that the launch of this cohort coincides with the accreditation of the Egyptian Field Epidemiology Training Program as a World Health Organization collaborating center, making it the first program of its kind in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean Region to receive this accreditation.
Source: Official website of the National Media Authority.
