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TEPHINET

Training Programs in Epidemiology and Public Health Interventions Network (TEPHINET) is a global professional network of field epidemiology training programs (FETPs). As of August 2019, TEPHINET comprises 71 member FETPs working across more than 100 countries. TEPHINET's mission is to empower and mobilize a competent field epidemiology workforce to serve all people through standardized training, experiential learning, training program quality improvement, mentoring, and knowledge exchanges in order to connect epidemiologists better, faster, and with quality across the globe. As a network, TEPHINET member programs share technical expertise for improving disease surveillance, public health emergency response, and health promotion programs and collaborate with multinational outbreak response teams sponsored by the World Health Organization and other organizations.

Training Programs in Epidemiology and Public Health Interventions Network (TEPHINET)

Founded	1997
Merger of	The Task Force for Global Health
Type	Nonprofit
Headquarters	Atlanta, GA
Website	https://www.tephinet.org/

History

Beginning in the 1980s, in response to the need to enhance their public health capabilities and infrastructure, several countries started developing field-based training programs in applied epidemiology and public health with financial and technical support from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other donors and partners. The primary goal of these training programs has been to foster the development of field-trained epidemiologists who are competent in the practical application of epidemiologic methods to a wide range of public health problems in their respective areas.

Various models exist for these field-based training programs, including the Epidemic Intelligence Service of the CDC, the three-tier Field Epidemiology Training Program model, Public Health Schools Without Walls, and the European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training. Regardless of the model used, all field epidemiology training programs follow the philosophy of “learning by doing.” In addition, each program is adapted to meet the health needs of the country or region in which it functions.

In the 1990s, several directors of these programs recognized the benefit of working together and began an initiative to organize themselves into a global network to share experiences and resources. With support from the World Health Organization, the CDC, and the Fondation Merieux, this network was formalized in 1997 as the Training Programs in Epidemiology and Public Health Interventions Network, or "TEPHINET."

TEPHINET was incorporated in 1999 in the U.S. state of Georgia as a non-profit organization with the aim of strengthening international public health capacity through the support and networking of field-based training programs that enhance competencies in applied epidemiology and public health practice.

In October 2008, TEPHINET merged with The Task Force for Global Health, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Decatur, Georgia, United States.

Work

As a network, TEPHINET supports FETP quality improvement through its accreditation program, provides learning and professional development opportunities for FETP trainees and graduates through scientific conferences and learning materials, assists with field epidemiology workforce mobilization, and facilitates resource-sharing among FETPs through its networking initiatives.

As an implementing partner to organizations such as the CDC, WHO, the U.S. Department of State, and others, TEPHINET provide operations and training support to FETPs through funded projects.

TEPHINET's key work areas are:

• FETP quality improvement: Through TEPHINET's Accreditation Program, FETPs have the opportunity to align with common standards to support quality training. FETPs can apply for accreditation status, which is granted by the TEPHINET Global Accrediting Body.
• Workforce mobilization: Through TEPHIConnect (an online alumni networking platform for FETP alumni), and in collaboration with FETPs and regional FETP networks, TEPHINET aims to facilitate the mobilization of experienced and qualified epidemiology staff to support emergency response.
• Continuous learning: Through its continuous learning program, TEPHINET aims to build and strengthen a well-trained and professional global field epidemiology workforce prepared to address evolving public health priorities.
• Knowledge exchange: TEPHINET will facilitate knowledge exchange through meetings and scientific conferences, via its website, social media platforms, publications and through TEPHIConnect.
• Operational support to FETPs: TEPHINET's project management team offers financial, administrative, human resources and logistical support to FETPs to address disease detection and outbreak response as well as implement collaborative meetings and scientific events. Projects are primarily implemented through sub-contracts and consultants hired by TEPHINET through grant funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Department of State.

TEPHINET serves as a global network of professionals who can be recruited during public health emergencies. For example, during the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, TEPHINET recruited senior epidemiologists who had the language skills and field epidemiology experience to aid in the crisis. In collaboration with the CDC, TEPHINET played an important role in the recruitment of mentors and logistical assistance.

Regional FETP Networks

TEPHINET collaborates with regional FETP networks, including: the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET), REDSUR (the South American Field Epidemiology Network), REDCEC (the Central American Field Epidemiology Network), and the South Asia Field Epidemiology and Technology Network (SAFETYNET).