PROJECT 074: Mediterranean and Black Sea field epidemiology training programme network to increase security in the EU neighbourhood (MEDIPIET)

Context

The Mediterranean region and the Black Sea region are close neighbours of the European Union and are particularly exposed to health risks (epidemic, pandemic) and disasters (man-made or natural) which can have a serious impact on populations, resources and infrastructures and could undermine the region's efforts for sustainable development.

Overall objective

To enhance health security in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions by supporting capacity-building for prevention and control of biological, natural, or man-made health threats through the further roll-out of a sustainable training programme in intervention epidemiology.

Specific objectives

1. Training a regional cadre of field epidemiologists;
2. Training national trainers and supervisors and provide support to cascade trainings;
3. Disseminate experience, knowledge and skills among non-EU countries, EU partners and other key actors in the field; fostering synergies between MediPIET and other FETPs;
4. Engaging partner countries for bigger impact, and incorporating national and regional public health priorities to the programme curriculum.

Activities

Extension of the field epidemiology training programme (FETP) and other training activities in Mediterranean and black sea countries.

Achievements

• Workshop on capacity needs for PHE operation centres;
• 4-day training on epidemic intelligence and rapid risk assessment;
• After-action review on evidence-based decision making during COVID-19;
• MediPIET Training Centre Forum, including training needs assessment workshop;
• 8 MediPIET modules and one inject day delivered for cohort 4 and 5;
• Cohort 5 recruited and in training since September2022.