WHO Emphasises Field Epidemiologists Role Ahead of World Field Epidemiology Day

On 6 September 2026, as the first light touched the rooftops of Cairo, the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean released a report that shone a spotlight on the frontline work of field epidemiologists across the Middle East. The publication arrived a day before the annual World Field Epidemiology Day, observed on 7 September, a global reminder of the discipline’s roots in John Snow’s 1854 cholera investigation.

The document, posted on the WHO website, argues that countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region are expanding Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) to build a workforce capable of early threat detection, rapid response, enhanced surveillance and stronger health security. These programs train health professionals in applied epidemiology, outbreak investigation, biostatistics and data management, equipping them to tackle the region’s diverse health challenges.

According to the report, WHO supports national FETP initiatives through mentoring, regional knowledge sharing and training modules that include artificial‑intelligence applications. These efforts are part of the Regional Director’s flagship initiative to create a resilient, fit‑for‑purpose health workforce.

The report cites recent milestones in Syria and Egypt as evidence of progress. In Syria, WHO helped establish a national FETP to strengthen surveillance, applied epidemiology and outbreak response. The program also trains local mentors to ensure sustainability. In Egypt, the national FETP was designated a WHO Collaborating Centre, a first in the region. The designation provides a platform for sharing technical expertise, expanding field‑epidemiology capacity and enhancing inter‑regional cooperation.

The WHO report concludes that sustained investment in field epidemiology yields stronger national public‑health systems, closer regional collaboration and a workforce that can identify and contain health threats before they become wider emergencies.

The Eastern Mediterranean Region includes 22 countries and territories, covering West Asia, North Africa, the Horn of Africa and Central Asia. The region faces frequent public‑health challenges, including emerging infectious diseases, chronic‑disease burdens and the health impacts of conflict.

Field‑epidemiology training has a long history. The model was first introduced by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 1951 and has since been adopted in 41 countries worldwide. More than 2,500 graduates have emerged from programs in 61 countries, most of whom remain in their home countries and take on leadership roles.

In Syria, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with WHO and the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network, launched the first cohort of the national FETP in 2024. The program has since graduated several cohorts, with graduates participating in surveillance and outbreak investigations across the country.

Egypt’s FETP, founded in 2025, offers basic, intermediate and advanced training levels. The program’s designation as a WHO Collaborating Centre in 2026 allows it to serve as a technical hub for the region.

The WHO report was released on the same day as the announcement of World Field Epidemiology Day, a global event that recognizes the role of field epidemiologists in protecting population health. The day is celebrated each year on 7 September, the anniversary of John Snow’s cholera investigation in 1854.

The report was accessed through the WHO Eastern Mediterranean website and the Petra news portal, which provided the initial announcement. No statements from government officials or other organizations were included in the report.

The emphasis on field epidemiology reflects the WHO’s broader strategy to strengthen health security in the region. By building local capacity, the organization aims to improve early detection of outbreaks, reduce response times and enhance the overall resilience of health systems.

The report does not detail specific funding amounts or future plans beyond the continued support of national FETPs. It does, however, underscore the importance of sustained investment and regional collaboration.

In summary, the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean has highlighted the critical role of field epidemiologists and the expansion of FETPs in Syria and Egypt. The initiative is part of a larger effort to build a resilient health workforce capable of detecting and containing public‑health threats before they spread.