FETP Frontline One Health Module Cohort 1 Concludes with Final Workshop and Closing Ceremony

FETP frontline one health cohort 1’ s group photo

Phnom Penh, June 6, 2025 — The Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) Frontline – One Health Module (Cohort 1) successfully concluded its third and final workshop, followed by a formal closing ceremony, on June 6, 2025, at Sunway Hotel, Phnom Penh. The event marked the culmination of a comprehensive three-month training program designed to build field epidemiology capacity using a One Health approach—integrating human, animal, and environmental health sectors to strengthen outbreak detection, response, and intersectoral coordination.

Mr. Sen Piseth, trainee from human health sector, presented his field work product

Mr. Eng Sarath, trainee from health sector, presented his field work product in the workshop

Ms. Hem Chenda, trainee from animal health sector, presented her field work product

Dr. Chhorn Samnang, trainee from health sector, presented his field work product in the workshop

Workshop 3 provided a platform for trainees to present findings from their field investigations and practicum assignments. Participants shared insights on priority zoonotic diseases, surveillance reports, root cause analysis of surveillance system challenges, and case studies on multisectoral outbreak response. The workshop fostered peer learning and professional growth, with trainees receiving constructive feedback from national experts and facilitators from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and the Ministry of Environment.

The closing ceremony was presided over by Her Excellency Dr. Youk Sambath, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Health, Chair of the Inter-ministry Coordination Committee (IMCC), and Chair of the Cambodia Field Epidemiology Training Program Advisory Board. Distinguished guests included His Excellency Dr. Hok Kim Cheng, Director General for Health; His Excellency Dr. Ly Sovann, Director of the Communicable Disease Control Department; Mr. Sophal Laska, Director of the Department of Hazardous Substance Management (Ministry of Environment); Mr. Koeut Dina, representative of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; and Mr. Ung Sophanith, representative of SAFETYNET, along with technical experts from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC). The event was attended by a total of 51 participants, including national and sub-national representatives from the human, animal, and environmental health sectors.

H.E. Dr. Youk Sambath, Secretary of state of ministry of health and chair of Inter-ministry Committee Coordination for One Health delivered closing remark

In her remarks, Her Excellency Yok Sambath commended the trainees for their dedication and emphasized the critical importance of applying One Health principles in field epidemiology practice. She expressed heartfelt appreciation to the U.S. CDC and SAFETYNET team for their ongoing technical and financial support, and she called for continued collaboration in future cohorts of the FETP Frontline One Health Module.

H.E. Dr. Youk Sambath delivered closing remark

Closing ceremony of workshop 3 and certificate awarding ceremony

Closing ceremony of workshop 3 and certificate awarding ceremony

A total of 20 trainees from both human and animal health sectors successfully completed the training and were awarded certificates of completion. The ceremony also acknowledged the essential contributions of mentors, provincial supervisors, and facilitators who supported the trainees throughout the course.

H.E. Youk Sambath presented certificate to trainee

group photo with all fresh graduates with honorable guests

group photo with all facilitators, mentors, with honorable guests

This One Health module represents a key pillar of Cambodia’s broader FETP strategy to institutionalize cross-sectoral collaboration in epidemiological training and strengthen both national and sub-national health security systems. The module was implemented with generous support from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) through SAFETYNET.

As Cambodia continues to advance its public health surveillance and emergency response capabilities, the integration of One Health into frontline training remains a strategic priority in addressing zoonotic diseases and other emerging health threats.