In the Comoros, 22 healthcare professionals have been certified as part of the Frontline One Health (FETP) training program in field epidemiology. This training is part of the Indian Ocean Commission’s (IOC) SEGA – One Health Network. These professionals reinforce the country’s capacity to detect, prevent and combat epidemics. This promotion brings the number of certified field epidemiologists in Comoros to 65.

FETP-Frontline One Health: a key program

The field epidemiology training program is designed to equip healthcare professionals to deal with epidemics.
This intensive 13-week course combines theory and practice. Objective? Acquire essential skills to :

  • investigate epidemics
  • analyze data in real time
  • formulate rapid, evidence-based responses to health threats

FETP puts field epidemiologists on the frontline

These field epidemiologists don’t stay in the office.
In 2024, 14 of them were mobilized on an emergency basis to combat a cholera epidemic, helping to halt the spread.
Others were actively involved in the foot-and-mouth vaccination campaign in Ngadjiza.
Their mission? Investigate, identify outbreaks and propose measures to curb infections. These rapid interventions save lives and prevent health disasters.

A rapidly expanding regional network

However, this certification is not limited to the Comoros. The FETP – Frontline program, set up by the IOC’s SEGA – One Health Network with the support of the Agence Française de Développement and the European Union, has now been extended to the Indian Ocean region. With these new certifications, there are now 227 field epidemiologists trained and active in the region, ready to respond to health crises on a national and regional scale.

The Malagasy and Seychelles cohorts should also receive their fan certification in the coming weeks.

About FETP-Frontline in Comoros

In Comoros, this training is supported by the University of Comoros’ School of Medicine and Public Health.
Prior to this third cohort, 43 professionals had already been certified.
Indeed, the first cohort saw the certification of 18 health professionals.
Then, in May 2024, 25 field epidemiologists were certified at the end of the second cohort.