In a significant step forward for public health in the Caribbean, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Training Programs in Epidemiology and Public Health Interventions Network (TEPHINET) have renewed their partnership. By signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the two organizations are doubling down on their shared mission to enhance the technical skills of public health professionals. The focus? Applied epidemiology—key for tackling health crises like disease outbreaks and natural disasters.
Field epidemiology, often called “applied” or “intervention” epidemiology, plays a critical role in safeguarding public health. By leveraging cutting-edge epidemiological methods, experts investigate pressing health challenges and recommend evidence-based solutions that drive both immediate and long-term impact.
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A “Boots on the Ground” Approach
Dr. Lisa Indar, Interim Executive Director of CARPHA, highlighted the transformative nature of their Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs). “CARPHA’s novel FETP integrates a laboratory component, making it a true ‘boots on the ground’ initiative. It’s a game-changer for building human resource capacity in the small island developing states of the Caribbean. The work of our trainees strengthens national public health systems by providing actionable, evidence-based insights.”
A Proud Global Network Member
Dr. Carl Reddy, Program Director at TEPHINET, lauded the regional program’s success. “TEPHINET is proud to count the Caribbean Regional FELTP among our global network. The program has made remarkable strides in building field epidemiology capacity in a region highly vulnerable to climate change and public health emergencies, such as natural disasters.”
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Real-World Training for Real-World Challenges
Dr. Laura Lee Boodram, Head of the Caribbean Regional Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programs (CR-FELTP) at CARPHA, elaborated on the program’s hands-on approach. “Our tiered training model builds practical competencies, empowering trainees to apply their classroom learning to real-world problems. From communicable diseases like HIV/AIDS to emerging threats like Chikungunya and Ebola, our training content directly addresses the Caribbean’s most pressing health priorities.”
Key Objectives of the Renewed Partnership
The MoU outlines four primary goals to advance public health across the Caribbean:
- Building Workforce Capacity: Expanding the field epidemiology skillset of public health professionals through targeted training programs.
- Strengthening Surveillance: Supporting epidemiological surveillance for communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, injuries, and emergency preparedness.
- Promoting Collaboration: Facilitating networking opportunities to ensure program sustainability and growth.
- Maximizing Efficiency: Coordinating efforts to optimize resources, identify synergies, and avoid duplication.
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A History of Impact
This partnership builds on a 2017 technical collaboration between CARPHA, TEPHINET, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Together, they piloted frontline training under the CR-FELTP framework. To date, this program has benefited 18 CARPHA member states, strengthening their readiness to address public health challenges.
About the Organizations
CARPHA, established in 2011, is the Caribbean’s leading regional public health agency. Its mandate includes identifying, analyzing, and addressing the region’s public health priorities to prevent diseases, promote well-being, and respond effectively to emergencies.
TEPHINET, founded in 1997, is a global network of 83 field epidemiology training programs operating in over 100 countries. Its mission is to connect and empower a skilled field epidemiology workforce, ensuring faster and more effective responses to public health threats worldwide.
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