The evaluation of the One Health frontline field epidemiology training program pilot in Papua New Guinea, 2022–2023

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Objectives To evaluate the outputs, outcomes, and early impact of the One Health Frontline Field Epidemiology Training Program (OH-fFETPNG) pilot in Papua New Guinea (PNG) on graduates, their workplaces, and the broader health system, and to assess its contribution to cross-sectoral collaboration. Methods This retrospective concurrent mixed-methods impact evaluation was conducted from June to December 2023 across four pilot provinces in PNG. Data were collected via a desktop review of program documents, an online survey of 61 OH-fFETPNG graduates (67% response rate), and semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of graduates, line managers, and provincial senior executives. Qualitative data were thematically analysed. Results Of 76 enrolled fellows, 80% (n=61) graduated, producing 61 surveillance and 61 field investigation reports. Graduates self-reported improvements in epidemiological knowledge, data management, outbreak detection, and analytical reporting, with high confidence in conducting descriptive data analyses (73%), investigating One Health alerts (65%), and community engagement (63%). The program fostered stronger cross-sectoral collaboration, evidenced by increased joint investigations and use of provincial One Health WhatsApp groups. It also strengthened health system elements like data collection (59%) and reporting (52%), and contributed to program sustainability with three provinces including future cohorts in their budgets. Conclusions The OH-fFETPNG is a scalable, multisectoral model that effectively builds field epidemiology capacity and promotes cross-sectoral collaboration in PNG. Its success highlights the importance of co-designed curricula, mentorship, and integrating training outputs into existing systems for sustainable health security.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.