Involvement and readiness of fellows from Papua New Guinea’s Field Epidemiology Training Programme in the COVID-19 response, 2020–2021
10.5365/wpsar.2023.14.2.989
- Author:
James A Flint
1
,
2
;
Joanne Taylor
1
,
2
;
Tambri Housen
3
;
Barry Ropa
4
;
Bernnie Smaghi
5
;
Laura Macfarlane-Berry
3
;
Celeste Marsh
3
;
Alois Pukienei
6
;
Mathias Bauri
7
;
David N Durrheim
1
,
2
Author Information
1. Hunter New England Health, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
2. University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
3. University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
4. National Department of Health, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
5. World Health Organization Representative Office for Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
6. Department of Health, Autonomous Bougainville Government, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea
7. Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority, Western Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
COVID-19, Papua New Guinea, epidemiology, training programs, review
- From:
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response
2023;14(2):08-13
- CountryWHO-WPRO
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Problem: Fellows of the Papua New Guinea Field Epidemiology Training Programme (FETP) were part of the national coronavirus disease (COVID-19) response. However, the specific activities and challenges experienced by fellows in the field were unknown.
Context: The advanced FETP cohort commenced just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and all fellows were involved in the response. The advanced fellows participating in this review represented a cross-section of the country’s public health workforce.
Action: A review was conducted to better understand the scope of activities undertaken by FETP fellows, identify the challenges experienced and assess how well the programme prepared fellows for their COVID-19 response roles. A facilitated discussion based on the World Health Organization COVID-19 intra-action review methodology and an online survey was conducted with advanced FETP fellows.
Outcome: The fellows made important contributions to the national COVID-19 response by assuming leadership positions at all levels of government, leading training activities and applying core field epidemiology competencies in surveillance and response activities. The programme had prepared them well for the response, giving them the confidence and skills to undertake a diverse range of response roles.
Discussion: The FETP review of the COVID-19 response in Papua New Guinea highlighted the role and influence of the fellows during the pandemic response. Fellows were able to apply core field epidemiology competencies across a range of roles. The recommendations derived from this review will be instructive for the FETP specifically and the COVID-19 response generally.
- Full text:202406211111230038wpsar-14-989.pdf
