Australia is advancing regional health security through the University of Newcastle Field Epidemiology in Action (FEiA) program, supporting public health systems in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, and Timor-Leste. Through two key branches, FEiA strengthens public health systems through evidence-based decision-making, supporting health professionals to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats.
FEiA’s Train & Sustain branch supports high-impact public health training programs run by national and provincial governments. This includes ongoing support for intermediate Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETP) in PNG and Solomon Islands and the frontline (OneHealth) FETP in PNG, the launch of a national intermediate FETP in Vanuatu, and support for establishing national FETPs in Fiji and Timor-Leste. In addition, FEiA will continue supporting the rollout of a phased Rapid Response Team training program across PNG’s 22 Provinces. All activities are in partnership with national health ministries with a focus on sustainability.
The Connect & Apply branch ensures investments in field epidemiology and public health capacity have tangible benefits for populations. FEiA engages FETP graduates to apply their skills in the workplace and builds peer-to-peer support through active alumni networks. FEiA offers intensive professional development courses and develops eLearning and technical resources for FETP graduates globally. FEiA works with government partners to sensitise key decision-makers to what field epidemiologists do, the immense value they can bring to health systems, and how their skills can best be utilised.
