On 15 and 16 January 2026, the Sierra Leone Field Epidemiology Training Program – Light (FETP-LIGHT) celebrated a major milestone with the graduation of Cohorts 5 and 6 in Kenema and Kailahun Districts, respectively. These events marked the culmination of a six-week intensive training program that equipped 35 frontline health workers with essential skills in disease surveillance, outbreak detection, and response. The ceremonies were not only a recognition of individual achievement but also a testament to Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening public health from the ground up.
The first graduation ceremony took place on 15 January at the District Health Management Team (DHMT) office in Kenema City. The event began with both Muslim and Christian prayers, reflecting the country’s dedication to unity and inclusivity in its national development efforts. Twenty participants from Cohort 5 presented their fieldwork projects, which addressed a range of pressing public health issues, including outbreak investigations, surveillance data analysis, and health system assessments. Their presentations demonstrated the skills acquired during the training and were followed by interactive question-and-answer sessions with facilitators and public health officials.
The Kenema event was graced by several distinguished guests, including Alhaji Dr. Mohamed Alex Vandi, Deputy Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency (NPHA); Dr. James Squire, Director of Surveillance at NPHA; Dr. Gebrekrstos Negash, FETP Resident Advisor in Sierra Leone; and representatives from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). In his remarks, Dr. Squire emphasized the importance of grassroots epidemiological capacity, stating that the strength of the surveillance system lies in the hands of those closest to the communities. Dr. Vandi echoed this sentiment, noting, “We are not just training individuals; we are building a legacy of preparedness, resilience, and leadership in public health.” He further highlighted the broader vision of the initiative, stating, “This program is a cornerstone of our national strategy to empower local health workers and ensure that every Sierra Leonean, regardless of where they live, is protected by a vigilant and capable public health system.”
The momentum continued on 16 January in Kailahun District, where 15 participants from Cohort 6 gathered at the Kailahun DHMT for their final presentations and graduation ceremony. The event brought together district health leaders, national supervisors, and community stakeholders to celebrate the accomplishments of the trainees. Each participant presented the results of their fieldwork, showcasing their ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data to inform public health action. The presentations were followed by discussions and feedback from facilitators and senior officials, reinforcing the collaborative and practical nature of the training.
FETP-LIGHT serves as the foundational tier of the Field Epidemiology Training Program in Sierra Leone. It targets frontline health workers, particularly those serving as supervisors at Community Health Centers (CHCs), Community Health Units (CHUs), and Peripheral Health Units (PHUs). By focusing on the chiefdom level, the program ensures that public health capacity is built where it is needed most, at the community level. The training is delivered over six weeks and facilitated by district-based mentors who are themselves graduates of FETP Frontline and Intermediate levels. These mentors are supported by national-level supervisors to maintain consistency and quality across districts, promoting a sustainable, peer-led model of capacity building.
The current cohorts began training on 25 November 2025. Their graduation marks a significant step forward in Sierra Leone’s efforts to build a resilient, data-driven public health system. The decentralization of FETP-LIGHT began with four pilot districts—Bo, Moyamba, Pujehun, and Tonkolili—each training 20 participants. Following the success of these pilots, the program expanded to Kenema and Kailahun, bringing the total number of participating districts to six. The next phase of the program is scheduled to begin on 26 January 2026 in Karene, Kono, and Port Loko Districts, further extending the reach of this critical initiative.
The successful rollout of these cohorts has been made possible through the leadership and coordination of Mr. David Kabba Kargbo, FETP Frontline Coordinator, and Alhaji Amara Sheriff, Program Manager for Workforce Development at the NPHA. Their dedication to building a skilled and responsive public health workforce has been instrumental in the program’s growth and impact.
The graduation of Cohorts 5 and 6 is more than a ceremonial milestone; it is a reflection of Sierra Leone’s strategic investment in health security. By empowering health workers at the district and chiefdom levels, the country is laying the foundation for a robust, decentralized workforce capable of detecting and responding to public health threats swiftly and effectively. For the NPHA, this initiative is a cornerstone of its mission to protect and promote the health of all Sierra Leoneans.
Public Relations Unit
NPHA-SL