Strengthening Public Health Together!
On April 24, 2025, the Sierra Leone Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) Steering Committee convened a meeting at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), chaired by ED. Professor Foday Sahr. The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the University of Sierra Leone, Njala University, the US CDC, and other public health partners. The primary focus of discussions was the introduction of the Advanced FETP. This new initiative aims to elevate the training standards for public health professionals, ensuring they are well equipped to tackle epidemiological challenges effectively. In the coming weeks, we will be issuing a Notice of Interest inviting training institutions that are interested in hosting the Advanced FETP to apply. This is a significant opportunity for institutions to contribute to the enhancement of public health capabilities in Sierra Leone.
AFENET Sierra Leone hosted the leadership of Action Against Hunger (ACF) to discuss possible areas of collaboration.
AFENET Sierra Leone and World Vision Leaders Discuss Strategic Partnerships
In a strategic meeting held at the AFENET Sierra Leone head office, key leaders from AFENET and World Vision came together to explore potential areas of collaboration and partnership. The focus of the discussion revolved around bolstering system strengthening initiatives, workforce development programs, digital health enhancements, and surveillance strategies in Sierra Leone.Both organizations shared insights on their respective expertise and resources, highlighting opportunities for synergies and joint efforts to address public health challenges in the region. The meeting aimed to lay the foundation for future collaborations that leverage the strengths of each organization to achieve greater impact and sustainable outcomes for the communities they serve.With a shared commitment to improving health systems and promoting community wellbeing, AFENET and World Vision are poised to forge a strategic partnership that will contribute significantly to the advancement of public health goals in Sierra Leone.1
The government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Health and its development partners, including AFENET SL and the Carter Center, has launched a community-based survey on the prevalence of substance use and its impacts in Sierra Leone. The survey will be critical to planning for managing drug abuse problems.
The Ministry of Health, with support from the African Field Epidemiology Network, has successfully certified 200 data collectors following their participation in a groundbreaking study on psychoactive substance use.
Sierra Leone, through the National Public Health Agency, has introduced the first global FETP Health Informatics Curriculum in the FETP Intermediate program, with technical support from the U.S. CDC and the AFENET Informatics team.
Government of Sierra Leone launched a community based survey on the prevalence of substance use and its impacts in Sierra Leone
The government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Health and its development partners, including AFENET SL and the Carter Center, has launched a community-based survey on the prevalence of substance use and its impacts in Sierra Leone. The survey will be critical to planning for managing drug abuse problems.
In a strategic meeting held at the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) Freetown office with the leadership of AFENET Sierra Leone to discuss opportunities for collaboration and partnership.
TEPHINET Accreditated Sierra Leone FETP
Sierra Leone Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) Cohort 16 Frontline and Cohort 7 Intermediate final presentation and Graduation Ceremony.
We are delighted to announce the successful completion of the Sierra Leone Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) Cohort 16 Frontline and Cohort 7 Intermediate final presentation and Graduation Ceremony. The event, held in the presence of distinguished guests, was a true celebration of the dedication and hard work of these public health professionals in advancing disease surveillance and response in Sierra Leone. The ceremony was graced by esteemed individuals including the Deputy Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), the Executive Director of NPHA, the Ambassador of the United States to Sierra Leone, Country Director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Country Representative World Health Organization (WHO), and the FETP Resident Advisor from the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) Sierra Leone. The occasion was led by the Executive Director of NPHA, who chaired the event with grace and enthusiasm. The presentations showcased the tremendous efforts and achievements of Cohort 16 and Cohort 7 in addressing public health challenges, conducting impactful research, and implementing evidence-based interventions. The graduates demonstrated their proficiency in field epidemiology and their commitment to improving the health outcomes of communities across Sierra Leone. Also, the distinguished guests shared inspiring words of encouragement and recognition for the graduates’ accomplishments, emphasizing the critical role of field epidemiologists in safeguarding public health and preventing disease outbreaks. They commended the graduates for their exceptional work and urged them to continue their efforts in strengthening the nation’s public health infrastructure. As we celebrate the accomplishments of Cohort 16 and Cohort 7, we also express our gratitude to the mentors, supervisors, and partners who have supported the FETP participants throughout their training journey. Their guidance and mentorship have been instrumental in shaping the future leaders of public health in Sierra Leone. Congratulations to the graduates of Sierra Leone FETP Cohort 16 and Cohort 7 on this significant milestone! Your dedication, passion, and expertise will undoubtedly contribute to a healthier and more resilient Sierra Leone. Best wishes for your future endeavors in the field of epidemiology and public health.