Strengthening surveillance and response to public health emergencies in the West African sub-region: the role of Ghana FELTP

The Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (GFELTP) has been at the forefront of Field Epidemiology training in Ghana and the West African sub-region. Evolving from an initial collaboration with the United States (U.S) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for running short courses on surveillance, outbreak investigation and response, the GFELTP now stands as a two-year advanced training program and is currently implementing the Field Epidemiology Training Program for frontline health workers within the context of the three-tiered “pyramid” model. At present, the GFELTP serves as a sub-regional center for Field Epidemiology training. In addition to Ghanaians,the program currently trains residents from The Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Trainees and alumni of the program have developed their capacities and are serving as change agents, as far as surveillance and response within their various Ministriesare concerned.The residents and alumni have supported national and sub-national capacities in evaluating surveillance systems, investigating outbreaks, identification of public health problems and responding appropriately to them. The competencies of trainees and alumni continue to benefit Ghana and other West African countries. Outputs from activities conducted by the residents and alumni have been disseminated at various local and international forums. This paper throws light on the achievements of the GFELTP in strengthening surveillance, outbreak investigation and response capacity in the West African sub-region.