Advancing Public Health in Rwanda through the Field Epidemiology Training Program

We are pleased to present the latest edition of the Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health (JIEPH) special supplement featuring articles from the Rwanda Field Epidemiology Training Program (R-FETP). This edition covers critical public health issues in Rwanda, highlighting past efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, address the challenges of HIV/AIDS, and improve maternal and child health. The articles offer valuable insights that can inform and inspire public health practitioners, policymakers, and researchers both in Rwanda and globally. This supplement comes against the backdrop of Rwanda´s efforts to build a competent national epidemiologic workforce through the Rwanda Field Epidemiology Training Program. FETPs are competency-based workforce development training programs aimed at improving the epidemiology capacity of Ministry of Health staff at all levels to prevent, detect, investigate and respond to public health priority issues[1]. Established in 2009, RFETP has so far graduated six advanced cohorts and 76 field Epidemiologists. The program also currently runs the intermediate and basic FETP training models at sub national levels. A total of 13 health workers have graduated so far from the intermediate FETP first cohort and 267 graduates from 12 frontline FETP cohorts. Post-graduation retention and placement are strategic and integral components of the Rwanda program. Graduates of Rwanda FETP are deployed within the Rwanda health system, with many occupying leadership positions at the Rwanda Ministry of Health, playing a pivotal role in shaping healthcare policies and other initiatives. The main authors of the manuscripts contained in this supplement are both current FETPs trainees and graduates stationed at all levels of Rwanda´s health system. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of effective epidemiological interventions. Some of the featured articles shed light on Rwanda's commendable response to the COVID-19 pandemic and offer lessons for other nations grappling with the ongoing challenges posed by the virus. Rwanda has made remarkable strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with a robust healthcare system and innovative interventions. This supplement explores the progress and challenges in HIV prevention, treatment, and support programs, highlighting the collaborative efforts of stakeholders in achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. Globally, maternal and child health continue to be of utmost importance, and Rwanda's dedication to lowering maternal and child mortality is a shining example [2,3]. Some of the articles in this supplement explore a range of topics related to mother and child health, from family planning utilisation to perinatal mortality and child stunting, as well as blood transfusion, COVID-19, Non-Communicable Diseases, HIV, and TB demonstrating the nation's commitment to safeguarding the health of its residents. As we navigate through these ever-changing times, this supplement by the Rwanda FETP serves as a testament to the strength, resilience, and innovation of the Rwandan public health community. We extend our gratitude to the authors, researchers, healthcare workers, and policymakers for their dedication to improving the health and well-being of the population. Their work not only contributes to Rwanda's progress in improving the health of Rwandans but also offers valuable lessons and inspiration for public health professionals in the region. We hope that the insights presented in this supplement will foster greater collaboration, knowledge sharing, and evidence-based interventions in Rwanda and beyond. The Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health remains committed to disseminating research that informs, inspires, and advances the field of interventional and applied epidemiology and public health.