What is field epidemiology training? 

Field epidemiology is the application of epidemiological knowledge, skills and competencies in surveillance of and response to urgent health challenges. FETP have been critical to developing these capacities since the first one was established in 1951 by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of December 2023, there were 98 active FETP supporting over 165 countries. Some programmes incorporate a laboratory component and are referred to as Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programmes (FELTP). 

WHO headquarters, regional and country offices work with partners worldwide to support FETP by providing mentorship to training participants, involving them in outbreak investigations and surveillance system evaluations, participating in FETP steering committees and advisory boards, and funding FETP staff positions.  

With support from FAO, Field Epidemiology Training Programmes for Veterinarians (FEPTV) including the In-Service applied Veterinary Epidemiology Training (ISAVET) have been established, enabling veterinary services to tackle transboundary animal diseases, zoonotic diseases and support disease surveillance. In addition, other programmes such as the Field Training Programme for Wildlife, Ecosystems, Biodiversity, and Environment (FTP-WEBE) and Nature for Health (N4H), have been developed to train environmental experts to address ecosystem health and its relationship with human and animal health.  

What is One Health?  

One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. It recognizes the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and interdependent. 

FAO, WHO, and WOAH have worked together for many years to address health risks at the human-animal-environment interface. An alliance between the three organizations (formerly called the Tripartite) has facilitated putting the One Health vision into practice by promoting collaboration, communication and coordination across sectors. As the need to address the environmental dimension of One Health has become more essential, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) joined the alliance as part of a new Quadripartite agreement in 2022.

The COHFE framework aligns with the objectives outlined in the Quadripartite's One Health Joint Plan of Action (2022-2028), supporting the implementation of the International Health Regulations and the Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) Pathway. This strategic alignment reinforces the global commitment to addressing health challenges through a comprehensive One Health perspective.