FETP Frontline One Health Cohort 2 Completes 3-Month Training to Strengthen Cambodia's Health Security

Phnom Penh, Cambodia - September 5, 2025 - The Cambodia Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) proudly celebrated the successful completion of the Frontline One Health Cohort 2 training, marking another milestone in the country's efforts to build a skilled public health workforce capable of detecting and responding to emerging health threats.

The three-month intensive course, held from June to September 2025, concluded with a closing workshop on September 3 - 5, 2025, at the Sunway Hotel in Phnom Penh. The ceremony was graced by H.E. Dr. York Sambath, Secretary of State and Chair of the Inter-ministry Committee for One Health (IMCC), along with representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, provincial health departments, and partners from US CDC and SAFETYNET.

The FETP Frontline One Health course is designed to enhance frontline capacity in surveillance, outbreak detection, and response, while promoting cross-sector collaboration among the human, animal, and environmental health sectors. Over the course of the training, the 19 graduates gained hands-on experience in field epidemiology - covering surveillance data analysis, case investigations and data quality assessments - anchored on the One Health approach.

Trainees presented 76 fieldwork projects addressing real-world health challenges, reflecting their growing capacity to contribute to early warning systems and outbreak preparedness in their respective provinces. Mentors and supervisors provided technical guidance throughout, ensuring that each participant developed practical, actionable skills.

Reflecting on the training, Mr. Tom Nisay from the Siem Reap Provincial Department of Environment shared,

"This course has been an eye-opening experience. I learned how human, animal, and environmental health are interconnected, and how to actively support zoonotic outbreak investigations in my province. i feel better prepared to collaborate with colleagues across sectors and contribute to the One Health approach"

As Cambodia continues to strengthen its disease surveillance and response system, the newly graduated cohort stands ready to apply their skills to real-world public health challenges, supporting improved outbreak preparedness, intersectoral collaboration, and national health security.

The Cambodia FETP and SAFETYNET extends its warmest congratulations to the Cohort 2 graduates for their commitment, hard work, and contribution to advancing the One Health agenda in the Country.