Since 1980, CDC has worked with Ministries of Health around the world to establish Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETP). FETPs have supported countries to build sustainable capacity for detecting and responding to health threats by developing in-country expertise so disease outbreaks can be detected locally and prevented from spreading. FETP is modeled after CDC's Epidemic Intelligence Service, yet tailored to meet the needs of each country, recognizing differences in cultures, priorities, partners, capacities, and public health systems. FETPs also provide support to help countries meet their core capacity requirements for surveillanceand response under the International Health Regulations.
FETP has a three-tiered "pyramid" training model to build capacity at local, district, and national levels:
Advanced: The advanced, two-year training targets the national level of the public health system.
Intermediate: The nine-month intermediate program targets public health workers at the sub-national level.
Frontline: The three-to-five month basic level targets public health workers at the district (or equivalent) level.
NATURE OF ASSISTANCE: Trainings are modelled after CDC's trainings for multi-year Epidemiological Intelligence Programs; length of time and number of workshops can vary based upon the type of program (frontline, intermediate, and advanced). CDC works with Ministries of Health.
