Strengthening field epidemiology training through teaching case studies: an EMPHNET-supported supplement

¹Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan, ²Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET), Amman, Jordan

^&Corresponding author
Yousef Khader, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan

Editorial     

Strengthening the public health workforce is essential for improving disease surveillance, outbreak detection, and evidence-based public health response. Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) play a central role in developing these competencies by combining theoretical instruction with field-based learning and practical exercises [1]. One of the most effective tools used in applied epidemiology training is the teaching case study, which allows trainees to simulate real public health events, analyze epidemiologic data, and practice decision-making in a structured learning environment. Case-based learning has been widely adopted in epidemiology and public health education because it promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and the practical application of epidemiologic methods. This supplement of the Pan African Medical Journal presents a collection of teaching case studies developed through a regional initiative supported by Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET) to strengthen applied epidemiology training. The manuscripts included in this supplement were developed following a regional workshop and a structured training program organized by EMPHNET to train public health professionals in the development of teaching case studies. Participants in this initiative were guided through a structured course that covered the methodology of transforming real public health events into educational case studies. Draft case studies produced by the participants were subsequently reviewed through a structured mentoring and peer-review process coordinated by EMPHNET to ensure scientific rigor, clarity, and educational value before submission for publication.

This supplement forms part of a broader series of supplements aimed at strengthening FETPs and enhancing the education of public health professionals. Through this initiative, more than 100 teaching case studies have been developed addressing priority public health issues relevant to countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and other settings. The initiative seeks to expand the availability of high-quality case-based learning materials that can be used by universities, training institutes, and FETPs to strengthen competencies in surveillance, outbreak investigation, epidemiologic analysis, and public health decision-making. The case studies included in this supplement cover a diverse range of public health scenarios encountered in field epidemiology practice. They address surveillance system evaluation, outbreak investigations, epidemiologic data analysis, and interpretation of surveillance data. The cases illustrate the application of epidemiologic methods in different contexts and settings and provide practical learning opportunities for trainees. Topics covered include COVID-19 surveillance and outbreak investigations, measles outbreak investigations in institutional settings, and evaluation of tuberculosis surveillance systems. Other case studies demonstrate the application of statistical measures such as rates, ratios, and proportions using population health data, investigations of acute watery diarrhea outbreaks, and analyses of COVID-19 outbreaks using basic biostatistical approaches.

Additional case studies focus on suspected cholera outbreak investigations and the role of laboratory confirmation in outbreak response, gastroenteritis outbreaks in internally displaced persons camps, and measles outbreaks in community settings. The supplement also includes investigations of mass food poisoning events, surveillance of cutaneous leishmaniasis, and outbreak investigations of leishmaniasis in endemic settings. Other cases examine zoonotic and emerging public health threats, including anthrax outbreaks involving both humans and livestock using a One Health approach, trichinellosis outbreaks, and healthcare-associated outbreaks of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumonia in hospital settings.

Collectively, these case studies illustrate the diverse challenges faced by public health professionals and highlight the importance of applying epidemiologic methods to investigate and control public health events. They provide trainees with opportunities to practice calculating epidemiologic measures, analyzing surveillance data, interpreting laboratory findings, and developing evidence-based response strategies. By engaging learners in realistic scenarios, teaching case studies enhance analytical skills and prepare public health professionals to respond effectively to health threats in their communities. The development of this supplement and the broader series of case studies reflects EMPHNET's continued commitment to strengthening public health capacity through training, research, and regional collaboration. EMPHNET has played a key role in supporting FETPs and other workforce development initiatives aimed at improving surveillance systems, outbreak response, and evidence-based public health practice in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and beyond. Previous work has highlighted the importance of strengthening epidemiologic workforce capacity in the region and the role of training programs in improving public health preparedness and response [2,3].

The dissemination of these case studies through peer-reviewed publications ensures that they are accessible to educators and trainers worldwide. These materials can be integrated into FETP curricula, university public health programs, and other training initiatives to strengthen epidemiology education and support competency-based learning. As countries continue to invest in strengthening public health systems, the availability of practical training tools such as teaching case studies will remain essential for developing a skilled and responsive public health workforce. The teaching case studies included in this supplement represent an important contribution to applied epidemiology education and demonstrate the value of regional collaboration in developing innovative training resources. By transforming real public health experiences into structured educational tools, these case studies help bridge the gap between theory and practice and support the training of the next generation of epidemiologists and public health professionals.

Competing interests     

The authors declare no competing interests.

Authors' contributions     

Both authors have read and agreed to the final version of this manuscript.

References