On World Field Epidemiology Day, marked each year on 7 September, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean is highlighting the crucial role played by field epidemiologists who work on the frontlines to detect public health threats, investigate outbreaks and turn data into action to protect communities.

Through field epidemiology training programmes (FETPs), countries are building a skilled workforce equipped to detect threats early, respond rapidly and strengthen surveillance and health security.

In the Eastern Mediterranean Region, WHO is supporting countries to strengthen and expand FETPs through national mentorship, regional knowledge exchange and frontline and advanced training, including in the use of artificial intelligence and other innovative approaches.

This work recognizes that a strong public health workforce is essential to protecting populations from emerging and ongoing health threats and supports the WHO Regional Director’s flagship initiative to build a resilient, fit-for-purpose and sustainable health workforce across the Region .