Achievements of the Intermediate Course of the Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program Supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency’s Global Health Security Agenda Phase I Project

We highlight the successful implementation outcomes of the Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (FELTP) intermediate-level course conducted in Ghana in 2022 as part of the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) Phase I project funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The FETPIntermediate training aims to strengthen regional epidemiologic capacity. Data reviews and interviews were conducted to evaluate the training outcomes at levels one to four of the Kirkpatrick evaluation model. Descriptive, analytical, quantitative, and thematic qualitative analyses were conducted. Of the 40 trainees enrolled, 38 (95%) successfully graduated, and 35 of them (88%) participated in the evaluation. The study revealed statistically significant differences between participants’ pre- and post-training abilities in the competency areas of epidemiologic methods, outbreak investigation and response, teaching and mentorship, surveillance, and communication (p<0.001). Almost half the participants cited knowledge transfer to colleagues and subordinates as their workplace contributions, and 29% (10/34) mentioned a lack of logistics for field activities as a major barrier to skill application. In 2022, 38 outbreaks were detected, of which 36 (97%) were investigated. With support from KOICA, the Ghana FETPIntermediate course successfully trained two cohorts in 2021.