Bridging gap: Africa’s and world’s urgent need for field Epidemiologists

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OPINION

By Dr Suzanne Kiwanuka and Ms Judith Grace Amoit

September 7 is World Field Epidemiology Day, a day to honour the heroes who safeguard public health by protecting communities from deadly diseases. A day to acknowledge the battles fought, progress made, and to reflect on what still needs to be done.

This year’s theme, “Making Our Mark: Field Epidemiology in Action,” could not be more relevant to Africa’s health future and the world, especially with borders between countries becoming more porous.

Field epidemiologists are the people who investigate disease outbreaks, analyse data, and advise governments on how to respond. In Uganda, they have been on the frontlines of Ebola, cholera, measles and, most recently, COVID-19 and MPox.

Without their quick response and the systems that support them, many of these outbreaks could have turned catastrophic.

In addition to the familiar outbreaks that grab headlines, we cannot ignore the silent epidemics that quietly claim lives every day. Zoonotic diseases, those that jump from animals to humans, such as influenza and anthrax, remain a constant threat in Uganda’s communities.

At the same time, non-communicable conditions like cardiovascular disease are creeping up on us, often undetected until it is too late. These are “silent epidemics” because they do not spread with the drama of Ebola or COVID-19, yet their toll is devastating.

But here is the challenge: Africa simply does not have enough of them. The Global Health Security Agenda recommends at least one epidemiologist per 200,000 people. With a population of 1.3 billion, Africa needs at least 6,500.

Today, the continent has barely half that number. Some countries do not even have a single training program for field epidemiologists.

This shortage is more than just a statistic; it is a major risk. Every missing epidemiologist means one less trained professional to detect diseases early, trace cases, prevent outbreaks from spreading, and advocate for health security.

If COVID-19 taught us anything, it is that an outbreak anywhere can quickly become a threat everywhere. It is that a weak link anywhere is a threat everywhere; it is that countries need to be better prepared.

Makerere University School of Public Health’s (MakSPH) contribution

Here in Uganda, MakSPH has been a beacon of hope in building the country’s epidemiology workforce. Since 2009, its Master of Public Health Program has produced over 700 field epidemiologists. Through the Public Health Fellowship Program (PHFP), launched in 2015, the School has trained 134 advanced fellows, with 79 graduates to date. According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Uganda also had 651 intermediate and frontline trainees by December 2023. Together, these professionals are serving at various levels across Uganda and beyond, tracking Ebola cases, mapping cholera hotspots, and providing critical data that guided the nation’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign.

As a founding member of the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), Makerere University School of Public Health has helped build a strong network of epidemiologists across the continent. Working in collaboration with ministries of health, Africa CDC, TEPHINET, and other global health agencies and NGOs, this effort has produced thousands of graduates now serving in key roles. Many are positioned within the World Health Organisation (WHO), the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), national health departments, and local systems, contributing to global health security and ensuring Africa is better prepared for future health threats.

Why investment matters

The truth, however, is that universities and training programs cannot do this work alone. Governments, development partners, and the private sector must invest more in training, equipping, and retaining epidemiologists. We need stronger surveillance systems, modern laboratories, and digital tools to track diseases faster. Most importantly, we need to make sure no country is left behind, because in public health, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

An African proverb says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Africa must do both: move quickly to prepare for the next pandemic and go far by ensuring every country has the people and systems needed to respond.

World Field Epidemiology Day is not just about celebration; it is a call to action. Uganda, Africa, and beyond must close the workforce gap by investing in training and creating opportunities for young public health professionals. In doing so, we will not only protect our communities but also strengthen global health security.

Key actors in the epidemiology field have shown what is possible. With more investment in training and infrastructure, stronger cross-border collaboration, integration of new technologies, and sustained mentorship and support, Africa can bridge the gap, build resilience, and be better prepared for whatever outbreak comes next.

Because when it comes to health security, we cannot afford to wait.