Malaysia Epidemic Intelligence Program
Program overview
The Epidemic Intelligence Program (EIP) of Malaysia was initiated in 2002 to strengthen disease control following a Nipah encephalitis outbreak in early 1999. It is a unique, two-year, in-service, on-the-job training in field epidemiology consisting of 70 percent field-based work and 30 percent didactic lessons. The curriculum includes situational analysis, surveillance evaluation and outbreak management. The program is coordinated by the appointed Director of EIP Malaysia through the Disease Control Division of Ministry of Health Malaysia. The goal of the training is to strengthen the practice of applied epidemiology for enhancing public health surveillance and outbreak investigation. Through coursework and active field assignments, the program hopes to produce graduates who will be able to:
- Conceptualize key epidemiological principles and methods,
- Develop competencies in surveillance and rapid response, and
- Conduct study projects that contribute directly to the enhancement of public health surveillance.
Achievements
EIP Malaysia has accomplished many important milestones, one of which is the formation of the “EIP Gives Back Program” which is conducted by EIP alumni, district health officers, and state epidemiologists. Graduates have been deployed to several countries like the Philippines and West Africa to assist with disease outbreak and disaster relief. Graduates also contribute their expertise to various fields both nationally and internationally.