Egypt, WHO Launche Region's 1st Vector Control Field Epidemiology Training

Egypt has launched the Middle East and North Africa’s first field epidemiology training programme (FETP) dedicated to vector control, marking a major step forward in the region’s ability to tackle vector-borne diseases. 

The initiative is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Egypt and funded by the Pandemic Fund.

The newly launched training aims to build national capacity to detect, prevent, and respond to diseases transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, and flies. With a strong emphasis on the One Health approach, the programme fosters collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.

A total of 32 participants — mostly agricultural engineers from both the human and animal health sectors — are taking part in the training. The programme blends short, classroom-based instruction with extensive field placements. Over a six-month period, participants will attend three workshops, each followed by hands-on assignments in various governorates. The training dedicates 20% of the time to classroom learning and 80% to practical fieldwork.

"This training is a regional first, and it reflects Egypt’s commitment to strengthening public health capacity and intersectoral collaboration to address vector-borne threats,” said a WHO Egypt representative.

Participants engaged in practical demonstrations, including the development of tools for controlling disease-carrying vectors. The training is competency-based and includes mentoring to reinforce field epidemiology skills. Egypt’s FETP, first established in 1993, has trained over 385 epidemiologists and operates at basic, intermediate, and advanced levels.

WHO continues to provide technical support to the programme through updates to training materials, mentoring, reviewing scientific outputs, and logistical assistance for fieldwork and workshops.

By investing in this initiative, Egypt aims to bolster its preparedness and response capabilities, contributing to the country’s broader efforts to protect public health and build a more resilient health system.