FETP International Nights
“The Field Epidemiology Training Program is a cornerstone of CDC’s efforts to effectively respond to health threats across the globe. Graduates have training in field epidemiology, surveillance, and evidence-based decision-making, enabling them to emerge as the world’s next generation of public health leaders. With a strong presence in over 65 countries, FETP helps build experienced team of public health professionals who can detect disease outbreaks locally and prevent them from spreading globally.”
– Dr. Rebecca Martin, Director, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Celebrating CDC’s Commitment to Global Health
South Africa FELTP resident Mrs. Itumeleng Moema (center), winner of the 2018 Jeffrey P. Koplan Award for Excellence in Scientific Presentation accepting the award from Dr. Kip Baggett (left) and Dr. Dionisio Herrera Guibert (right) in recognition of her outstanding poster presentation titled Outbreak of Culture-confirmed Candida auris Bloodstream Infection in the Neonatal Unit of a Public-sector Hospital, South Africa, July through September 2017.
International Nights has been part of CDC’s commitment to global health for over 20 years. The event is co-hosted by CDC’s Division of Global Health Protection and the Training Programs in Epidemiology and Public Health Interventions Networkexternal icon (TEPHINET).
Every spring, epidemiologists, scientists, academics, physicians, and other public health professionals from around the world gather for oral and poster presentations at International Nights, a highlight of the Annual Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Conference held in Atlanta, Georgia. The event is a chance to share work being done through Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) around the world and to recognize the impact these programs make every day in public health. International Nights provides a forum for FETP residents and graduates to give scientific presentations and increase their knowledge about surveillance, outbreak investigation, and improving health outcomes in their respective countries.
The event also brings FETP residents and EIS officers together to exchange ideas and expand the global network of disease detectives who can be called upon in times of emergency. International Nights offer FETP residents and EIS officers a platform to present and defend their research before a panel of judges, subject matter experts, scientists, academics, and senior level officials in the global scientific arena. The success of International Nights demonstrates that FETP residents and graduates are not only well-trained, but are continually applying what they have learned.
Dr. Marcio Garcia, former Brazil FETP Director, accepting 2018 Director's Award for Excellence in Epidemiology and Public Health Response for Brazil FETP's significant contributions toward successful responses to yellow fever and Zika outbreaks in Brazil.
Uganda FETP resident Mrs. Phoebe Alitubeera (center), winner of the 2018 William H. Foege Award for best oral presentation, accepting the award for her outstanding outbreak investigation and presentation titled Food Poisoning Outbreak Caused by Poisonous Cassava Flour: Kasese District, Uganda, September 2017.
FETP residents, graduates, and advisors are doing precisely what they were trained to do: respond effectively to health threats and provide leadership in developing policies, programs, and health interventions to save lives and improve global health security.
– Dr. Dionisio Herrera, Director of TEPHINET (2009-2018)