The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated Egypt’s Field Epidemiology Training Program (Egypt FETP) as a WHO Collaborating Center for field epidemiology training, making it the first center of its kind in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
The designation, awarded to the Egypt FETP under the Ministry of Health and Population’s Preventive Medicine and Public Health Sector, highlights Egypt’s growing role in strengthening disease surveillance, outbreak response and public health capacity across the region.
Health and Population Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar said the recognition reflects the scientific and institutional capabilities of Egypt’s Preventive Medicine and Public Health Sector and supports the country’s strategy to strengthen health security through investment in skilled healthcare professionals.
“The designation enhances Egypt’s preparedness to respond to public health emergencies, disease outbreaks and other health challenges, while reinforcing its position as a regional hub for excellence in preventive medicine and public health,” Abdel Ghaffar said.
He added that the new status would enable Egypt to play a greater role in transferring expertise, building capacities and providing technical support to neighboring countries through specialized training in applied epidemiology.
The designation is also expected to strengthen disease surveillance systems, improve emergency response and contribute to regional and global health security, he said.
Deputy Health Minister Amr Kandil described the Field Epidemiology Training Program as one of the country’s key public health assets.
Established in 1993, the program has graduated 31 cohorts comprising hundreds of epidemiologists who have supported disease surveillance and rapid response systems across Egypt’s governorates, Kandil said.
He further noted that the program has carried out hundreds of field investigations and operational research projects while introducing specialized training tracks in the “One Health” approach, vector control and immunization.
WHO Collaborating Centers are institutions designated by the UN health agency to support its programs through research, training, technical expertise and capacity building. Egypt’s designation is expected to expand its role in supporting epidemiology training and public health preparedness across Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.
