Frontline Guardians: Field Epidemiology in the Maldives

In a nation defined by its unique geography, where communities are spread across distant islands, public health security depends on how effectively the system reaches its most remote populations. In February 2026, Maldives marked a transformative milestone in strengthening this reach with the graduation of 15 participants from the Frontline Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP). Spearheaded by Health Protection Agency, this achievement represents a critical step toward building a self-reliant, highly skilled public health workforce capable of detecting and responding to threats at their source.

A defining feature of this cohort is the adoption of a sustainable Training of Trainers model. The programme was delivered by national trainers from Ministry of Health who had previously been certified through the Intermediate FETP in 2025 with WHO’s support. This cascading approach ensures that knowledge is continuously transferred, expanded, and adapted within the country, reducing reliance on external support over time. It is a model that reflects both efficiency and resilience, allowing Maldives to build expertise from within while maintaining alignment with global standards.

This achievement was made possible through strong regional collaboration. Technical foundations and curriculum expertise were supported by regional partners, while strategic guidance and investment were provided through collaboration with the World Health Organization South-East Asia Regional Office and WHO Country Office for India. At the national level, experienced mentors from the Health Protection Agency provided hands-on guidance, ensuring that participants gained practical, real-world skills in surveillance and outbreak investigation. This synergy between local ownership and regional support has been key to the programme’s success.

The Pandemic Fund played a catalytic role in enabling this progress. Through its support for the implementation of the National Action Plan for FETP, 15 health professionals from across the atolls were equipped with the skills needed to function as frontline disease detectives. These graduates are now able to identify unusual health events, investigate outbreaks, and initiate timely responses; often before laboratory confirmation is available. In a country where speed and early detection are critical, this capability is invaluable.

As these graduates return to their respective islands, they carry with them not only technical expertise but also a renewed sense of national responsibility. They represent a new generation of public health leaders, strengthening surveillance systems from the ground up and ensuring that no community is left behind. This initiative reflects a broader vision of a self-reliant Maldives, where health security is built on local capacity, sustained investment, and strong partnerships.

Ministry of Health, Health Protection Agency, and World Health Organization Maldives extend their sincere appreciation to the Pandemic Fund and regional partners for their continued commitment to this vision. By investing in people, systems, and science, Maldives is not only strengthening its preparedness today but also safeguarding the health of future generations. This journey stands as a powerful example of what it means to come together for health and to stand firmly with science; echoing the global call of World Health Day 2026.

This article is first published at WHO Maldives website on Frontline Guardians: Field Epidemiology in the Maldives

To learn more about the works of WHO Maldives Please visit WHO Maldives | World Health Organization