Press Release
The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) and the Executive Secretariat of the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America and the Dominican Republic (SE-COMISCA), proudly announced the graduation of Belize’s third Intermediate-level cohort of the Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP), marking a major milestone in strengthening the nation’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats.
The FETP is a tiered professional training program designed to build progressively advanced epidemiological skills through a learning-by-doing approach. The Frontline (Basic), now called Frontline One Health, focuses on surveillance and outbreak detection. The intermediate program develops advanced analytical and leadership skills through modules on epidemiology, surveillance, laboratory quality, outbreak control, and scientific communication. The advanced level prepares epidemiologists for national leadership roles in emergency response and applied research. All levels are supported by strong mentorship.
Belize launched its first FETP pilot in 2010 with support from the Regional office of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC-CAP) in Guatemala and the University of North Carolina, which helped develop and adapt the basic-level curriculum later shared regionally. Following its success, the MoHW continued the program with support from partners, including PAHO and SE-COMISCA. Intermediate-level training was introduced in 2016, and since then, Belize has trained 23 professionals at the Intermediate level, 145 professionals at the Basic/Frontline level, and nine at the Advanced.
Program Highlights & Graduate Achievements
- Eleven health professionals completed the Intermediate training from May to November 2025, bringing the total to 33 graduates at this level.
- Graduates presented field projects on Chickenpox, Dengue, Malaria, Leishmaniasis, HIV, Tuberculosis, Healthcare-Associated Infections, Measles, Chronic Kidney Disease, Suicide, and the HEARTS Clinical Pathway, showcasing practical, data-driven approaches to surveillance and outbreak response.
- These professionals are now equipped to lead outbreak investigations, strengthen surveillance systems, mentor future trainees, and expand national epidemiological capacity.
Strengthened Emergency Preparedness & IHR Compliance
Belize continues to advance emergency preparedness and IHR compliance through its FETP, which builds a skilled workforce capable of detecting, investigating, and responding to public health threats.
Through its One Health–oriented FETP model, Belize brings together human, animal, and environmental health sectors, enhancing coordinated outbreak response and multisectoral collaboration. The program is driving progress in continuous monitoring, implementation of national action plans, and competency-based workforce training. Belize is also partnering with the Global Field Epidemiology Partnership (GFEP) and advancing toward TEPHINET accreditation, reflecting its commitment to a high-quality, regionally recognized applied epidemiology training platform that supports sustainable IHR capacities.
About PAHO/WHO
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), founded in 1902, works with countries of the Americas to improve health and quality of life. It serves as the WHO’s Regional Office for the Americas and is the specialized health agency of the Inter-American system.
For more information, contact Zenena Moguel, Communications & Visibility Specialist at moguelzen@paho.org, or visit paho.org/en/belize. For more information on the Program, contact: Myra Pinelo Fernandez, National Surveillance Officer and Country Coordinator, Field Epidemiology Training Program, Belize at mfernandez@health.gov.bz.
The post Belize celebrates Graduation of Third Intermediate Cohort of the Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP), Epidemiology Unit, Ministry of Health and Wellness appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Press Release The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) and the Executive Secretariat of the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America and the Dominican Republic (SE-COMISCA), proudly announced the graduation of Belize’s third Intermediate-level cohort of the Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP),
The post Belize celebrates Graduation of Third Intermediate Cohort of the Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP), Epidemiology Unit, Ministry of Health and Wellness appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
