Haiti Field Epidemiology Training Program
Program overview
FETP-Haiti started as a three-tier program in April 2011. Basic and intermediate levels were organized in-country while the advanced level residents were trained at the University Del Valle de Guatemala with field training in Haiti. Currently, training at only the basic and intermediate levels is offered. The program staff consists of a national coordinator who has received advanced training, senior and junior epidemiologists who have received intermediate training, a data manager who has received intermediate training, and an administrative assistant. The majority of the program’s graduates mentor new residents, facilitate presentations, and serve as field supervisors. The program is essential for the Haitian Ministry of Health. Many of the Ministry activities, such as investigations and surveillance, are undertaken by graduates and residents of the program.
Achievements
Since its inception, the program has become an essential component of the Haitian Ministry of Health in the following ways:
- FETP residents have conducted multiple assessments since 2014, and their findings and recommendations have aided in event preparedness;
- After Hurricane Matthew in the Grand Anse area, FETP residents were deployed to assess the health needs using the CASPER methodology; and
- Some FETP graduates are training to become surveillance officers for the Haitian Ministry of Health.