Ministry of Health launches first-ever field epidemiology training program in Kuwait to strengthen national capacities - Sarmad

(KUNA) – The Ministry of Health has launched the country’s first field epidemiology training program, organized by the Kuwait Center for Disease Control and Prevention in collaboration with the World Health Organization, and featuring a select group of international experts to strengthen national capacities in disease surveillance and response to epidemics and health risks.

The Ministry stated in a press release that the launch of the program coincides with the commencement of the Board of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, marking the initiation of two new, integrated training pathways in public health in Kuwait.

It clarified that the first pathway is a specialized track for physicians through the Board, while the second is an applied track in field epidemiology via the training program, which enables medical and allied health professionals to develop their skills and contribute to building a comprehensive system of national public health competencies.

The Ministry explained that the program aims to prepare qualified national cadres in field epidemiology capable of translating health data into practical decisions and interventions through applied training in disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, evaluation of surveillance systems, data analysis, and rapid response to health events and risks, thereby enhancing the health system’s readiness and its capacity for early detection and response.

The Ministry emphasized that this step reflects its strategic direction toward systematic and sustainable investment in national human resources and the consolidation of a preventive and proactive public health approach, extending efforts to build specialized capacities in monitoring, analysis, investigation, evaluation, and evidence-based decision-making support.