Supplement article - Editorial | Volume 7 (3): 11. 27 Jun 2024 | 10.11604/JIEPH.supp.2024.7.3.1695

Advancing Public Health in Rwanda through the Field Epidemiology Training Program

Mutabazi Vincent, Sinayobye Jean d’Amour

Corresponding author: Mutabazi Vincent, African Field Epidemiology Network-Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda

Received: 18 Jun 2024 - Accepted: 25 Jun 2024 - Published: 27 Jun 2024

Domain: Field Epidemiology

Keywords: Field Epidemiology, Rwanda

This articles is published as part of the supplement Advancing Public Health through the Rwanda Field Epidemiology Training Program, commissioned by Rwanda Field Epidemiology Training Program (R-FETP).

©Mutabazi Vincent et al. Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health (ISSN: 2664-2824). This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution International 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Cite this article: Mutabazi Vincent et al. Advancing Public Health in Rwanda through the Field Epidemiology Training Program. Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health. 2024;7(3):11. [doi: 10.11604/JIEPH.supp.2024.7.3.1695]

Available online at: https://www.afenet-journal.net/content/series/7/3/11/full

Home | Supplements | Volume 7 | This supplement | Article number 11

Editorial

Advancing Public Health in Rwanda through the Field Epidemiology Training Program

Advancing Public Health in Rwanda through the Field Epidemiology Training Program

Mutabazi Vincent1,&, Sinayobye Jean d’Amour1

 

1African Field Epidemiology Network-Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda

 

 

&Corresponding author
Mutabazi Vincent, African Field Epidemiology Network-Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda

 

 

Editorial    Down

We are pleased to present the latest edition of the Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health (JIEPH) special supplement featuring articles from the Rwanda Field Epidemiology Training Program (R-FETP). This edition covers critical public health issues in Rwanda, highlighting past efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, address the challenges of HIV/AIDS, and improve maternal and child health. The articles offer valuable insights that can inform and inspire public health practitioners, policymakers, and researchers both in Rwanda and globally.

 

This supplement comes against the backdrop of Rwanda´s efforts to build a competent national epidemiologic workforce through the Rwanda Field Epidemiology Training Program. FETPs are competency-based workforce development training programs aimed at improving the epidemiology capacity of Ministry of Health staff at all levels to prevent, detect, investigate and respond to public health priority issues[1]. Established in 2009, RFETP has so far graduated six advanced cohorts and 76 field Epidemiologists. The program also currently runs the intermediate and basic FETP training models at sub national levels. A total of 13 health workers have graduated so far from the intermediate FETP first cohort and 267 graduates from 12 frontline FETP cohorts. Post-graduation retention and placement are strategic and integral components of the Rwanda program. Graduates of Rwanda FETP are deployed within the Rwanda health system, with many occupying leadership positions at the Rwanda Ministry of Health, playing a pivotal role in shaping healthcare policies and other initiatives.

 

The main authors of the manuscripts contained in this supplement are both current FETPs trainees and graduates stationed at all levels of Rwanda´s health system.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of effective epidemiological interventions. Some of the featured articles shed light on Rwanda's commendable response to the COVID-19 pandemic and offer lessons for other nations grappling with the ongoing challenges posed by the virus.

 

Rwanda has made remarkable strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with a robust healthcare system and innovative interventions. This supplement explores the progress and challenges in HIV prevention, treatment, and support programs, highlighting the collaborative efforts of stakeholders in achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.

 

Globally, maternal and child health continue to be of utmost importance, and Rwanda's dedication to lowering maternal and child mortality is a shining example [2,3]. Some of the articles in this supplement explore a range of topics related to mother and child health, from family planning utilisation to perinatal mortality and child stunting, as well as blood transfusion, COVID-19, Non-Communicable Diseases, HIV, and TB demonstrating the nation's commitment to safeguarding the health of its residents.

 

As we navigate through these ever-changing times, this supplement by the Rwanda FETP serves as a testament to the strength, resilience, and innovation of the Rwandan public health community. We extend our gratitude to the authors, researchers, healthcare workers, and policymakers for their dedication to improving the health and well-being of the population. Their work not only contributes to Rwanda's progress in improving the health of Rwandans but also offers valuable lessons and inspiration for public health professionals in the region.

 

We hope that the insights presented in this supplement will foster greater collaboration, knowledge sharing, and evidence-based interventions in Rwanda and beyond. The Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health remains committed to disseminating research that informs, inspires, and advances the field of interventional and applied epidemiology and public health.

 

 

Competing Interests    Down

The authors declare no competing interests.

 

 

References Up    Down

  1. Ntahobakurira I, Antara S, Galgalo TB, Kakoma JB, Karema C, Nyatanyi T, Theogene R, Mukabayire O, Lowrance D, Raghunathan P, Ayebazibwe N, Mukanga D, Nsubuga P, Binagwaho A.The Rwanda Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program: training skilled disease detectives. Pan Afr Med J [Internet]. 2011 Dec 14 [cited 2024 Jun 19];10(Supp 1):7. PubMed | Google Scholar

  2. Gurusamy PSR, Janagaraj PD.A Success Story: The Burden of Maternal, Neonatal and Childhood Mortality in Rwanda - Critical Appraisal of Interventions and Recommendations for the Future. Afr J Reprod Health [Internet]. 2018 Jun 1 [cited 2024 Jun 19]; 22(2):9-16. https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2018/v22i2.1 Purchase or subscription required to view full article. Google Scholar

  3. Sayinzoga F, Bijlmakers L.Drivers of improved health sector performance in Rwanda: a qualitative view from within. MC Health Serv Res [Internet]. 2016 Apr 8 [cited 2024 Jun 19];16(1):12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-016-1351-4 PubMed | Google Scholar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Editorial

Advancing Public Health in Rwanda through the Field Epidemiology Training Program

Editorial

Advancing Public Health in Rwanda through the Field Epidemiology Training Program

Editorial

Advancing Public Health in Rwanda through the Field Epidemiology Training Program

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The Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health (ISSN: 2664-2824). The contents of this journal is intended exclusively for public health professionals and allied disciplines.