The role of Namibia Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme in strengthening the public health workforce in Namibia, 2012–2019

Bibliographic Data

ID21879507
AuthorsKofi Nyarko (0000-0002-1657-3167, University of Namibia, corresponding author), Leigh Ann Miller (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Windhoek, Namibia), Andrew L Baughman (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Windhoek, Namibia), Puumue Katjiuanjo (Ministry of Health and Social Services), Michele Evering-Watley (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Windhoek, Namibia), Simon Antara (Ministry of Health and Social Services), Penehafo Angula (University of Namibia), Honore K Mitonga (University of Namibia), Kabwebwe Honoré Mitonga (0000-0002-8633-4356, University of Namibia), Dimitri Prybylski (0000-0001-7507-1143, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Windhoek, Namibia), Eric J Dziuban (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Windhoek, Namibia), Emmy-Else Ndevaetela (Namibia Ministry of Health and Social Services, Windhoek, Khomas, Namibia), Emmy‐Else Ndevaetela (Ministry of Health and Social Services)
Year2021
Volume6
Issue4
Pagese005597
Publication date2021-04-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueBMJ Global Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2059-7908 • E-ISSN: 2059-7908
PublisherBMJ (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1136/bmjgh-2021-005597
PMID33849899
OpenAlexW3155824817
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited15

Namibia faces a critical shortage of skilled public health workers to perform emergency response operations, preparedness activities and real-time surveillance. The Namibia Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme (NamFELTP) increases the number of skilled public health professionals and strengthens the public health system in Namibia. We describe the NamFELTP during its first 7 years, assess its impact on the public health workforce and provide recommendations to further strengthen the workforce. We reviewed disease outbreak investigations and response reports, field projects and epidemiological investigations conducted during 2012–2019. The data were analysed using descriptive methods such as frequencies and rates. Maps representing the geographical distribution of NamFELTP workforce were produced using QGIS software V.3.2. There were no formally trained field epidemiologists working in Namibia before the NamFELTP. In its 7 years of operation, the programme graduated 189 field epidemiologists, of which 28 have completed the Advanced FELTP. The graduates increased epidemiological capacity for surveillance and response in Namibia at the national and provincial levels, and enhanced epidemiologist-led outbreak responses on 35 occasions, including responses to outbreaks of human and zoonotic diseases. Trainees analysed data from 51 surveillance systems and completed 31 epidemiological studies. The NamFELTP improved outcomes in the Namibia’s public health systems; including functional and robust public health surveillance systems that timely and effectively respond to public health emergencies. However, the current epidemiological capacity is insufficient and there is a need to continue training and mentorship to fill key leadership and strategic roles in the public health system

Disease · Environmental health · Medical education · Mentorship · Pathology · Political science · Preparedness · Public health · Public health surveillance · Surge Capacity · Workforce · Medicine · Nursing · Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy · Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research · Zoonotic diseases and public health · Epidemiology

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