Strengthening and Development of Sustainable Global Health and Epidemiological Workforce Capacity through Collaboration, Program Development, and Implementation

The purpose of NOFOs is to address public health workforce (PHW) development needs and strengthen capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to diseases and address public health priorities including outbreaks by strengthening epidemiologic workforce and programs capacity at the global level. Close collaboration and networking among programs and regional networks and relevant partners is critical as the globe faces new and re-emerging public health threats. The recent outbreaks of COVID-19, Ebola and other diseases clearly demonstrate the need for strong country, regional, and global programs that can work together, collaborate, and share resources. Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETP) are proven to be critical part of the workforce needed to detect and respond to disease. There is also a need to identify other workforce development programs that contribute to this end. Networking among these programs and regional FETP networks needs to be supported through training, scientific conferences, and meetings, establishing standards, monitoring and evaluation, and strong communication. Awardees will work and collaborate with CDC and other partners to assess PHW needs, develop plans to fill gaps and strengthen existing programs such as the FETP, , develop standards for accreditation and credentialing and assist countries when and where needed.