The Minister of Health proudly celebrated the graduation of the 8th cohort of the Frontline Field Epidemiology Training Programme (FETP).

Juba, South Sudan, 29th August 2024 — The Minister of Health proudly celebrated the graduation of the 8th cohort of the Frontline Field Epidemiology Training Programme (FETP).

Honourable. Yolanda Awel Deng, the National Minister of Health witnessed today the graduation of the eighth cohort of the frontline FETP program at the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC).

The program comprises three levels of training: basic, intermediate, and advanced. Participants are taught to collect crucial data and transform it into evidence-based action. FETP graduates play a vital role in preparedness and response efforts.

Dr. Koama Jean Baptiste, the country director for the CDC encourages the team to utilize their acquired skills to contribute to the country's development and suggests that collaboration with partners and stakeholders, including the CDC and government health units is crucial for the program's success and the nation's response to ongoing challenges.

Hon. Yolanda Awel Deng emphasized the importance of providing training within South Sudan for the country's health sector. She highlighted the accomplishments of the eighth cohort of graduates and noted the success of localization in keeping skills within the country. She also stressed the need for sustainability and resilience in the health system. Hon. Yolanda called for increased gender representation in training, which is currently at less than 10%, and urged for more investment in frontline workers.

“We are a young nation who are so resilient, and we are working so much to make sure with the little resources we have, we are making a difference. So, the point I'm trying to get is this, this small-scale training that we are doing. We think that they are so minute, but they go a long way. So it is important that the individual being trained, you take it seriously, and you have to be very proud that you have done this training here at your own house, and you are giving the services”. Hon. Awel said.

The Honourable Minister also acknowledges the donors, partners, and staff of the Ministry of Health, including AFNET, CDC, and US CDC, for their vital support.

In this cohort, about 25 trainees have graduated from the Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP). The program has received support from various partners, including the Global Fund through UNDP, and has successfully graduated field epidemiology trainees. Although the training program is short, it is considered to be impactful and aims to enhance the participants' performance and productivity.

In 2006, the CDC set up an office in South Sudan, initially concentrating on HIV prevention through the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The CDC collaborates closely with the National Ministry of Health and partner organizations to tackle health challenges in the country, including HIV, Tuberculosis (TB), and Immunization.