India Epidemic Intelligence Service

Program overview

The India Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) program is a two-year training in applied epidemiology in which trainee officers develop skills while working in Indian public health agencies and programs. This training is meant for medical doctors wanting to pursue a career in field epidemiology and public health. Those working in central and state government wanting to acquire needed skills of a practicing field epidemiologist are encouraged to join. Self sponsored candidates can also join. The training is for a period of two years, during which the India EIS officers complete a prescribed set of public health field activities. These include field investigation, analysis and evaluation of surveillance data, epidemiological data analysis, written and oral scientific communication and service to the organization where the officer is placed.

Achievements

India EIS officers have responded to more than 100 public health events in India (through 2017). All investigations led to implementable recommendations. India EIS officers work with local health counterparts closely, sharing best practices of field investigation and disease surveillance. They work with communities to educate members on hand hygiene, safe water and sanitation, immunization, quarantine and isolation. 

So far, 33 India EIS officers have graduated in applied epidemiology and presently they are working on leading positions at the district, state, national and international level. They have investigated 121 outbreaks and evaluated 46  surveillance systems. Their field work has been published in 15 national and international journals.

EIS officers won the following awards for their field work presentations at international conferences:

  • William H. Foege award for best oral presentation at the 67th Annual Epidemic Intelligence Service Conference at Atlanta, US (2017)
  • William H. Foege award for best oral presentation at the 66th Annual Epidemic Intelligence Service Conference at Atlanta, US (2016)
  • Best poster presentation at the 8th TEPHINET Global Scientific Conference in Mexico City, Mexico (2015)
  • Third prize for oral presentation at the 8th TEPHINET Global Scientific Conference in Mexico City, Mexico (2015)