Paraguay’s Dynamic Team of 285+ Field Epidemiologists: A Strong Defense Against Health Threats

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Asuncion, IP Agency.- This Saturday, September 7, marks World Field Epidemiology Day, which seeks to recognize and raise awareness about the vital role of these professionals in protecting the health of populations. Paraguay has 285 field epidemiologists, distributed across fourteen health regions.

World Field Epidemiology Day seeks to recognize and raise awareness of the vital role of field epidemiologists in protecting the health of populations, thereby promoting global health security, and in turn to advocate for greater investment in training, research and professionals in field epidemiology.

Field epidemiology is essential for disease surveillance. There are currently 22,000 field epidemiologists worldwide and more than 14,190 outbreaks have been investigated and 8,680 health systems implemented.

Paraguay currently has 285 field epidemiologists, distributed across fourteen health regions. These health professionals were trained through the Field Epidemiology Training Program (PEEC), from which fifteen cohorts of the basic or Frontline level, one cohort of the intermediate level and four cohorts of the advanced level have already graduated.

History of PEEC Paraguay

The training of the Field Epidemiology Training Program in the country began in 2011 with the Advanced Level, which lasts 2 years. This program has national, departmental and district scope, and has a resolution from the Ministry of Public Health.

In the first cohort of the advanced level, 5 professionals graduated. To date, four cohorts have graduated from this level, with 18 trained. Most of them work in the General Directorate of Health Surveillance.

Later, in 2017, the PEEC-Basic Level or Frontline was born, lasting three months. The sixteenth cohort is currently being developed, implementing the one health approach with 20 professionals from the human, animal and environmental sectors. To date, the basic level has graduated about 260 professionals, distributed throughout the country.

In February 2023, training was implemented at the PEEC-Intermediate Level, which lasts 9 months. This level of training continues in the Frontline cohorts, which allows the career of field epidemiologists to continue. Seven professionals have graduated from the first cohort and this year the 2nd cohort of the intermediate level was implemented.

It is important to highlight that PEEC Paraguay is part of the Network of Training Programs in Epidemiology and Public Health Interventions (Tephinet), a global professional network of training programs in field epidemiology present in more than 100 countries with 71 FETP members; and, within South America, it is part of the Network of Field Epidemiology Programs in South America (Redsur).

Here is a PAA (People Also Ask) related question inspired by the title “The Crucial Role of ‍Field Epidemiologists in Global Health Security:⁢ Celebrating World ⁣Field Epidemiology Day”:

The Crucial Role of Field Epidemiologists in Global Health Security: Celebrating World Field​ Epidemiology‍ Day

September​ 7th marks World Field Epidemiology Day, a day ‍dedicated ⁤to recognizing the vital role of ​field epidemiologists in protecting the health of populations worldwide. As we celebrate this day, ‌it is essential ⁣to acknowledge the ​significant contributions ⁢of these health professionals ⁣in promoting global health⁤ security.

What is ​Field Epidemiology?

Field epidemiology is the application of epidemiological principles to investigate and ⁤control health ​problems in real-time, ​often in response to outbreaks or ⁣emergencies. ‌Field epidemiologists work at the frontlines of disease surveillance, conducting ‌investigations, collecting data, and analyzing evidence to inform public health decision-making.

The Importance of Field‍ Epidemiology

Field epidemiology is essential for disease surveillance, as it enables the identification of health threats, investigation of outbreaks, and implementation of effective control measures. With over 22,000 field epidemiologists ⁤worldwide, this profession has investigated more than 14,190 outbreaks and implemented 8,680 health systems globally.

Paraguay’s Field Epidemiology Training Program⁤ (PEEC): A Model of Success

Paraguay’s Field Epidemiology Training​ Program ⁤(PEEC) is a​ shining‌ example of the impact of field epidemiology ‌training on public health. ​With 285 field epidemiologists distributed across 14 health⁢ regions, PEEC has trained professionals through three levels of training: basic, intermediate, and advanced. The program has graduated 15 cohorts of the basic level, ‌one ‌cohort of ⁤the intermediate level, and ⁣four​ cohorts of ⁢the advanced level, with most graduates working in the General Directorate of Health Surveillance.

PEEC’s History and Achievements

The Field Epidemiology Training Program in Paraguay began in 2011 with the Advanced⁣ Level, which lasts ⁣2 years. ⁢The‍ program has national, departmental, and district scope, with ​a resolution from the Ministry of Public⁢ Health. The Basic ⁤Level,​ introduced‍ in 2017,‍ has ⁣graduated about ​260 professionals, distributed ​throughout the country.⁤ In February 2023, training was ⁣implemented at the Intermediate Level, which lasts 9 months. This level of training continues in the ⁤Frontline ‍cohorts, allowing the career ⁢of field epidemiologists to continue.

FETP​ Graduates’ Response ⁤to COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Field​ Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) graduates have played a crucial role in responding to the outbreak. According to a study published in BMC Public Health, FETP graduates ​have contributed to strengthening global capacities for surveillance⁢ and response to public health emergencies‌ [[2]]. In Paraguay, ‌FETP graduates have ​helped test and care for suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases, reinforcing the health system’s response⁢ to the ⁣pandemic [[1]].

Tribute to ‌Dr. Agueda Cabello

On a somber note, ​we ⁣pay tribute to Dr. Agueda Cabello, a dedicated ⁢field epidemiologist who recently passed⁢ away. TEPHINET, the Task Force for Global Health’s Training ⁢Program in Epidemiology ⁢and Public Health Interventions Network, extended ‍its condolences to the Paraguay FETP team, recognizing Dr. Cabello’s significant contribution to the field ⁤of epidemiology [[3]].

Conclusion

As we⁢ celebrate World ​Field⁤ Epidemiology Day, we acknowledge the vital role that field epidemiologists play in protecting global health security. We recognize the achievements of programs​ like Paraguay’s Field Epidemiology Training Program (PEEC) and the contributions of ‍FETP‌ graduates in responding to public health emergencies. Let us continue to invest ⁤in training, research,⁢ and professionals in field epidemiology‍ to ensure a safer and healthier world for all.

References:

[1] https://www.tephinet.org/news/how-paraguays-field-epidemiology-training-program-fetp-responding-covid-19

[2] https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-021-12422-z

[3] https://twitter.com/tephinet/status/1798435393680924785

What is the significance of World Field Epidemiology Day in recognizing the contributions of field epidemiologists to global health?

World Field Epidemiology Day: Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of Global Health

September 7th marks World Field Epidemiology Day, a global celebration that recognizes the vital role of field epidemiologists in protecting the health of populations. Established in 2021, this day commemorates the fundamental John Snow cholera outbreak investigation, a milestone in the history of epidemiology [[1]].

Field epidemiologists are the unsung heroes of global health. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to investigate and respond to outbreaks, ensuring the timely detection and control of infectious diseases. These health professionals play a crucial role in disease surveillance, and their work has a direct impact on global health security [[2]].

The significance of field epidemiology cannot be overstated. With over 22,000 field epidemiologists worldwide, this profession has investigated more than 14,190 outbreaks and implemented 8,680 health systems [[3]]. In Paraguay, for example, 285 field epidemiologists are distributed across 14 health regions, working to protect the health of populations.

The Field Epidemiology Training Program (PEEC) is a crucial component of this effort. In Paraguay, PEEC has graduated 15 cohorts of the basic or Frontline level, one cohort of the intermediate level, and four cohorts of the advanced level. This training program has a national, departmental, and district scope, and is recognized by the Ministry of Public Health.

The history of PEEC Paraguay is a testament to the growth and development of field epidemiology in the region. The program began in 2011 with the Advanced Level, which lasts 2 years. Since then, PEEC has expanded to include the Basic Level or Frontline, which lasts 3 months, and the Intermediate Level, which lasts 9 months. These training programs have produced over 260 professionals, distributed throughout the country.

PEEC Paraguay is part of the Network of Training Programs in Epidemiology and Public Health Interventions (Tephinet), a global professional network of training programs in field epidemiology present in more than 100 countries with 71 FETP members. Within South America, it is part of the Network of Field Epidemiology Programs in South America (Redsur).

World Field Epidemiology Day is more than just a celebration; it is a call to action. It highlights the need for greater investment in training, research, and professionals in field epidemiology. As we mark this day, we recognize the vital role that field epidemiologists play in protecting global health security. We must continue to support and empower these health professionals as they work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.

References:

[1]

[2]

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