The role of the Field Epidemiology Training Program in the public health emergency response

Sudan armed conflict 2023

Bibliographic Data

ID22068511
AuthorsAmna Khairy (0000-0001-9882-4953, Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network, corresponding author), Haitham Bashier (0000-0002-9648-5473, Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network), Hatim Nuh, Nagla Ahmed (Sudan Medical Specialization Board), Yousif Ali (Sudan Medical Specialization Board), Ahmad Izzoddeen (0000-0002-9527-1430, Sudan Medical Specialization Board), Sara Mohamed (0000-0002-7586-1433, Sudan Medical Specialization Board), Muntasir M Osman (0000-0002-1625-0763, Sudan Medical Specialization Board), Muntasir Osman, Yousef Khader (0000-0002-7830-6857, Jordan University of Science and Technology)
Year2024
Volume12
Pages1300084-1300084
Publication date2024-01-31
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2024.1300084
PMID38356953
OpenAlexW4391396992
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited14

Background On April 15, 2023, the armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) started in Khartoum state, Sudan. This conflict was complicated by the preexisting complicated epidemiological situation and fragile health system in Sudan. This study endeavors to illuminate the pivotal role essayed by the Sudan FETP (SFETP) in enhancing the nation’s public health response, particularly amidst the tumultuous backdrop of armed conflicts that have left their indelible mark on the region. Methods Employing a blend of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, we investigated the SFETP’s contributions to the public health response during the initial 4 months of the conflict (April–July 2023). Sixty-four SFETP residents and graduates were invited to participate, and data were gathered through semi-structured questionnaires. Results A total of 44 (69%) SFETP residents and graduates were included in this study. Out of 38 SFETPs present in the states, 32 have considerably contributed to the crisis response at state and locality levels. Three-quarters of them have played key leadership, planning, and management roles. In essence, 38% ( n = 12) of them have contributed to public health surveillance, particularly in data management, reports, Early Warning Alert and Response System (EWAR) establishment, and epidemic investigation. SFETPs have made special contributions to crisis response at the community level. The involved SFETPs supported WASH interventions ( n = 4), and almost one-third of them strengthened risk communication and community engagement ( n = 9). Despite their physical presence at the subnational level, 27% of graduates were not deployed to the crisis emergency response. Notably, throughout this time, half of the total SFETPs were formally retained during this response. Conclusion The study highlighted the importance of FETP engagement and support during public health crises. SFETP residents and graduates played diverse roles in the various levels of public health emergency response to the crisis. However. Strategies to improve the deployment and retention of FETP residents are necessary to ensure their availability during crises. Overall, FETP has proven to be an asset in public health crisis management in Sudan

Emergency response · Environmental health · Medical emergency · Political science · Psychological intervention · Public health · Public relations · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Disaster Response and Management · Health and Conflict Studies · Medicine · Nursing · Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research · Epidemiology

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