Nepal Launches First Cohort of Intermediate Field Epidemiology Training Program

The South Asia Field Epidemiology and Technology Network (SAFETYNET), in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) of Nepal, has officially launched the first cohort of the Intermediate Field Epidemiology Training Program (I-FETP) on April 2, 2026—marking a significant milestone in strengthening the country’s public health workforce.

Building on the successful implementation of the FETP-Frontline program since 2022, the newly introduced nine-month intermediate-level training aims to further enhance epidemiologic capacity for disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and response.

The inaugural cohort comprises 15 fellows, including 11 from provincial levels and four from the central level.

Participants were formally welcomed during the opening workshop by key public health leaders, including Dr. Mallick Masum Billah, Country Resident Advisor of SAFETYNET Nepal; Dr. Kenza Benani of the World Health Organization; Ms. Yeshoda Aryal, Director of the National Health Training Centre (NHTC) and Course Director of FETP; and Dr. Keshar Bahadur Dhakal, Director General of the Department of Health Services.

The first workshop of the program is scheduled to run until April 13, 2026, and will provide foundational training to prepare fellows for field-based epidemiologic work.

Technical and logistical support for the training is being provided by Dr. Mallick Masum Billah and Ms. Pratikshya Acharya of SAFETYNET Nepal.