Ouagadougou: Twenty-five new specialists in early detection of health risks have officially graduated from the Frontline Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP Frontline) in Ouagadougou. This marks the completion of the 18th cohort, which focused on equipping participants with skills to detect health risks and implement appropriate responses.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the graduates come from various sectors, including human, animal, environmental, and defense and security, representing the multi-sectoral "One Health" approach that Burkina Faso has adopted to tackle health risks. Dr. Adjima Combary, Chief of Staff of the Minister of Health, highlighted the strategic importance of this training in a context where diseases with epidemic potential and health threats persist.

Since the inception of the program in 2016, 523 agents have been trained to detect health problems early, conduct investigations, analyze health data, and evaluate surveillance systems. Program officials noted that this 18th cohort, which began in January 2026, engaged various regions and health districts across the country in a blend of theoretical and practical training.

During the training, participants conducted case investigations, carried out quality audits of health data, performed in-depth analyses, and engaged in awareness-raising activities benefiting communities and health workers. Dr. Minzah Etienne Pekele, WHO representative, stated that the program strengthens international health security by creating a critical mass of experts capable of surveillance, early detection, and response to health emergencies across sectors.

The World Health Organization supported the cohort with funding from the Pandemic Fund, aiming to enhance the skills of frontline actors in epidemiological surveillance and public health emergency response. Anicet G. Dahourou, representing the U.S. Ambassador to Burkina Faso, praised the initiative and noted that Burkina Faso is among the few African countries with an internationally certified field epidemiology training program as of 2025.

Bapouguini Raymond Gbangou, the class representative, expressed that the training has fortified their skills in disease surveillance, epidemic investigation, and rapid response to unusual health events, enabling them to ensure better protection of the population.