Compiled Body of Work in Field Epidemiology

Field Epidemiology training in Ethiopia was started in 2009 to produce competent and skillful Epidemiologists, cadres of PHEM officers who promote and assist evidence-based decision making. The program is quite different from traditional epidemiology; unlike other public health students, the residents of field epidemiology spend 75% of the two year study period in different field sites so that they can practically apply what they learned in the class and become acquainted with how the system is functioning and what the existing gaps are that hamper the proper functioning of the system. In doing so, they have a chance to apply their knowledge and skill. During my two year stay in the program I have accomplished a lot. Almost all of my outputs had been conducted in Amhara National Regional States. My first measles outbreak investigation was conducted in Bugna Woreda, North Wollo zone. A total of 73 measles cases with equal number of neighborhood controls were enrolled in the study. The majority of the cases 67 (92%) were unvaccinated and most cases aged 15-44 years, who accounted for 47 (64%) of the total cases.