24 May 2026 - Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic – The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET), and with funding from the European Union through the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), has concluded Syria’s first cohort of the Frontline Field Epidemiology Training Programme (FETP). This milestone marks an important step towards enhancing disease surveillance and outbreak response capacities across the country.
Facilitators and graduates celebrating the completion of the Frontline Field Epidemiology Training Programme (FETP). Photo credit: WHO
“One of the most important benefits we gained from this training was developing skills related to collecting data correctly, ensuring data quality, and analysing information in ways that help identify epidemic trends and support faster and more effective decision-making during outbreaks,” said Dr Youssef Abdul Karim from the Communicable Diseases Surveillance Team at the Ministry of Health.
The three-month programme combined classroom-based learning with field practice, equipping 21 health workers with skills in surveillance, outbreak investigation, data analysis, and rapid response. Participants also completed field assignments, applying surveillance and response tools within their respective communities.
Dr Aya Ibrahim, Health Policy Coordinator within the Universal Health Coverage Department at the Strategic Studies Center celebrating the graduation. Photo credit: WHO
Dr Aya Ibrahim, Health Policy Coordinator within the Universal Health Coverage Department at the Strategic Studies Center, emphasized the importance of field visits and data quality assessments conducted at selected health centres. “This is the first workshop of its kind in Syria where a national team has been trained in this field,” she said. “Strengthening health workforce capacity contributes to improved preparedness to respond to future public health challenges and supports broader efforts towards health system recovery.”
Dr Kenan Ahmad Rajeh, Head of the Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases unit in Damascus, during the graduation ceremony. Photo credit: WHO
Highlighting the importance of systematic outbreak investigation and timely response, Dr Kenan Ahmad Rajeh, Head of the Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases unit in Damascus, stated, “The workshop provided trainees with practical knowledge to manage outbreaks from the earliest stages, including identifying causes and methods of transmission and responding rapidly. It also strengthened coordination, clarified response procedures, and enhanced teamwork during assessment and response activities.”
The first cohort of the Frontline Field Epidemiology Training Programme (FETP). Photo credit: WHO
WHO continues to work closely with the Ministry of Health and partners to strengthen disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness and the health workforce across Syria. With funding from ECHO, WHO is also supporting the delivery of essential health services, strengthening disease surveillance and outbreak response systems, and supporting the treatment of severe acute malnutrition among vulnerable groups. The successful completion of this first cohort marks an important step towards building a more resilient public health workforce capable of detecting, investigating and responding to health threats in a timely and coordinated manner.
