FETP Vietnam 2025: Flexibility, adaptation and innovation in field epidemiology

(Chinhphu.vn) - On September 11, in Can Tho City, the Vietnam Field Epidemiology Conference 2025 with the theme "Field Epidemiology: Flexible - Adaptive - Creative" took place with the participation of 200 domestic and foreign delegates, along with representatives of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC).

More than 200 domestic and foreign delegates, including leaders of departments, divisions, the Pasteur Institute ( Ministry of Health ), and representatives of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention attended the Conference - Photo: VGP/LS

The conference focused on enhancing the application of field epidemiology to better prepare for and respond to epidemics in the context of global health crises.

According to the Organizing Committee, from 2023, the Field Epidemiology Program (FETP) will organize an annual conference to share the results of training, research and the program's contributions to Vietnam's disease prevention system. This is not only a forum for professional exchange of the Vietnam Field Epidemiology Network, but also an important highlight in developing a strong disease prevention system, ready to respond to urgent public health events.

The conference is also an opportunity to discuss and strengthen the FETP program in the face of rapid changes in health.

Artificial intelligence and public health communication in the digital age

At the conference, delegates discussed in depth the response to epidemics in a rapidly changing context, the opportunities for applying artificial intelligence and technology in field epidemiology, and shared experiences through 20 presentations and 19 scientific posters. A thematic discussion on public health communication in emergency response was held, helping delegates discuss effective communication approaches in the digital age.

The FETP program has been implemented in Vietnam since 2007 by the Department of Disease Prevention (formerly the Department of Preventive Medicine) of the Ministry of Health. This is an international training program with the motto of "hand-holding", aiming to enhance the capacity to monitor, investigate and respond to public health emergencies in more than 80 countries and territories. In the context of increasing epidemics, Vietnam considers field epidemiology training as the foundation for ensuring public health.

Delegates exchange in the conference hallway - Photo: VGP/LS

After 18 years of construction and development, the Vietnam FETP Program has received financial and technical support from the US CDC, contributing many achievements to the national disease prevention system. As of August 2025, more than 1,400 staff at all levels have been trained, of which 40 staff completed the advanced FETP course (2 years), 45 staff completed the intermediate course (9 months) and nearly 700 staff completed the basic course (3 months).

After completing the FETP course, officers are directly involved in monitoring, detecting, investigating and promptly responding to many epidemics across the country. Notably, two long-term FETP officers have been trained to participate in international missions in Sierra Leone and South Sudan. Many research results of Vietnamese FETP students have been published in newspapers, conferences and seminars at home and abroad.

Currently, FETP Vietnam is collaborating with Hanoi Medical University to build a master's training program in field epidemiology, aiming to improve specialized human resources, contribute to strengthening the preventive health system, and create a foundation for sustainable response capacity to future public health challenges.

Le Son

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/fetp-viet-nam-2025-flexible-technology-and-creativity-in-dia-dich-te-hoc-thuc-dia-102250911154452849.htm