Paraguay’s foremost national scientific conference for field epidemiologists is its annual National Epidemiology Exhibition (Muestra Nacional de Epidemiología) hosted by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare and General Directorate of Health Surveillance. In conjunction with this event, the Paraguayan Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) hosts an annual meeting giving trainees from the FETP’s basic (Frontline) and advanced levels the opportunity to present their research.

From December 4 to 6 of this year, TEPHINET Director Dr. Carl Reddy attended the 10th National Epidemiology Exhibition in Asuncion and delivered an opening plenary address on the topic, “Applied Epidemiology in the 21st Century,” which covered the development of the Global Field Epidemiology Roadmap and the progress made against the Roadmap’s recommendations since its creation. Reddy also attended the graduation ceremony held by the FETP on December 6 for its eighth Frontline cohort, which consisted of 30 trainees.

This year’s FETP Frontline presentations included investigations on Severe Acute Respiratory Infection in hospitals, tetanus, intestinal parasitosis in children, meningitis in hospitals, surgical site infections, and healthcare-associated infections. Presentations by advanced-level FETP trainees included investigations on arboviruses, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, chikungunya, and Burkholderia cepacia in a hemodialysis center.

“The trainees are doing some very good work,” says Reddy.

To offer the full range of FETP training via the standard pyramidal model, the Paraguayan program is planning to add an intermediate level training track in the near future. The program also hopes to incorporate more advanced biostatistics and a stronger focus on non-communicable diseases within its curriculum.