Building facilitator capacities for Intermediate FETP rollout in Sri Lanka

The Field Epidemiology Training Programme Sri Lanka (FETP-SL) Intermediate Facilitator Development Programme concluded after 10 days of intensive learning, marking an important milestone in the country's efforts to strengthen its public health workforce and health security.

Bringing together public health professionals from across Sri Lanka, the programme conducted from 17-28 August 2026 was designed to enhance participants' skills in adult learning, facilitation, mentoring, communication, leadership, and experiential learning approaches. These competencies are essential for developing a sustainable cadre of facilitators capable of training and supporting future field epidemiologists nationwide.  Participants of the FETP on the closing day with their completion certificates together with the WHO Representative to Sri Lanka and the facilitator and WHO consultant, Dr Matthew Griffith.

Strengthening the workforce behind public health security

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the WHO Representative to Sri Lanka, Dr Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav highlighted the vital role of field epidemiology in protecting populations from public health threats. Whether responding to dengue outbreaks, emerging infectious diseases, zoonotic events, disasters, or other health emergencies, field epidemiologists provide the evidence needed for timely and informed decision-making.

From recommendations to action

The programme also represents a tangible outcome of broader efforts undertaken through Pandemic Fund-supported initiatives to strengthen Sri Lanka's preparedness and response capacities. In 2025, WHO supported a comprehensive FETP scoping review that generated recommendations to modernize the programme. This was followed by the establishment of a national FETP Working Group and the development of a National Action Plan to guide the future direction of field epidemiology training in Sri Lanka.

Dr Matthew Griffith, facilitator of the training and WHO consultant, gathering module feedback from the trainees at the FETP-SL training programme in July 2026.

 Recognizing that effective training programmes require more than technical expertise alone, the Intermediate Facilitator Development Programme focused on building the skills needed to mentor learners, encourage critical thinking, and translate knowledge into public health action. Participants are now better equipped to contribute to workforce development efforts and support the growth of a strong field epidemiology community of practice in Sri Lanka.

Expanding field epidemiology capacity nationwide

Looking ahead, WHO and partners will support the rollout of the revised FETP Intermediate Programme and the establishment of the FETP Frontline Programme. These initiatives aim to expand epidemiology capacity across the country and create a sustainable pipeline of public health professionals equipped to detect, investigate, and respond to emerging health threats.

The facilitators trained through this programme will play a pivotal role in that journey, helping to ensure that Sri Lanka remains better prepared, more resilient, and capable of responding effectively to future public health emergencies.

Participants actively engaged in a case study activity during the FETP intermediate facilitator development programme in August 2026.