At a glance
World Field Epidemiology Day, celebrated on September 7, recognizes the role field epidemiologists play in protecting the health of populations worldwide. Explore stories of how CDC-trained FETP experts are shaping a safer, healthier world.
Disease detectives on the frontlines
Graphic by DGHP
On this year's World Field Epidemiology Day, we at CDC's Division of Global Health Protection are proud to highlight our landmark Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) and the dedicated field epidemiologists we train worldwide.
These incredible disease detectives are on the frontlines of global health emergencies, responding to public health crises—from Anthrax to Ebola, from cholera to COVID-19—working tirelessly to keep communities safe.
By stopping disruptive outbreaks at their source, they help prevent diseases from spreading across borders, to the United States and other countries. Their heroic efforts not only save lives around the world but also strengthen our ability to address future health threats. Explore the stories below to see how CDC-supported FETP experts are shaping a safer, healthier world for us all.
Halting Ebola in Uganda
In late 2022, when a new strain of Ebola hit Uganda, FETP teams stepped in to help. The CDC-trained disease detectives partnered with the Ministry of Health. Together, they quickly set up labs for testing this strain and put essential supplies in place. They also introduced rapid tests for Ebola, which were especially crucial for detecting the virus in deceased individuals and preventing spread through traditional burial practices. Thanks to FETP’s support, Uganda improved its ability to track and respond to Ebola, leading to faster and more effective interventions.
Stopping cholera in Haiti
When a cholera outbreak hit Haiti in 2022, CDC-supported disease detectives were on the frontlines, identifying contaminated water sources and implementing urgent public health interventions. Their ability to rapidly respond and coordinate with local health authorities helped bring the outbreak under control, reducing mortality and preventing further spread.
Empowering women in public health across India
Due to traditional barriers and responsibilities, women in India often find themselves unable to pursue career training through Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs). To address this, CDC and India FETP implemented a flexible, one-year Intermediate FETP that allows women to participate without having to relocate. Hybrid training options have also been introduced to increase their participation. These initiatives are breaking barriers, empowering more women to become leaders in public health, and enhancing India's ability to contain outbreaks in hard-to-reach regions of the country.
Investigating anthrax in East Africa
In 2023, Uganda faced a serious public health threat from anthrax, a potentially deadly bacterial disease. The disease can spread when people consume meat from infected animals that have died. CDC-supported FETP fellows worked to uncover a source of these outbreaks, a black market for illegal meat. This discovery was crucial in identifying the source of the anthrax and led to significant improvements in investigating and controlling anthrax cases across the country.
Empowering FETP’s next generation in South Africa
During the COVID-19 pandemic, South Africa recognized the need for more field epidemiologists. FETP teams, working closely with local and international partners, launched the country’s first Intermediate Field Epidemiology Training Program. This initiative is now expanding across South Africa, equipping health workers with the skills needed to respond effectively to outbreaks.
Partnering for global health security
CDC's Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) equips health professionals worldwide with advanced skills, enabling them to become leading disease detectives.
Our country partners
Forty years after its inception, there are over 85 FETPs around the world strengthening field epidemiology capacities in collaboration with 100 partner countries.
TEPHINET
To support these expanding programs, CDC is a proud partner with the Training Programs in Epidemiology and Public Health Interventions Network (TEPHINET), which strengthens and supports FETPs as the global network of programs.
Global Field Epidemiology Partnership
CDC, TEPHINET, and the World Health Organization (WHO) have also established The Global Field Epidemiology Partnership (GFEP). GFEP brings together member institutions to enhance support for FETPs, address gaps, and boost the capacities of field epidemiologists globally.
On this World Field Epidemiology Day, as we celebrate these disease detectives, we also honor our country partners and global partnerships. Together, we are helping to build a skilled and resilient public health workforce to address emerging health challenges across the globe.