Across Cambodia and Lao PDR, the Pacific Evidence-Informed Policies and Programs+ (Pac-EVIPP+) team at the Australian National University (ANU) is working closely with partners to strengthen the field epidemiology workforce.

Through targeted support for training, research dissemination, and regional collaboration, Pac-EVIPP+ is contributing to sustainable public health capacity across the Asia–Pacific region.

Backing regional learning

In September 2025, Pac-EVIPP+ supported Cambodian Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) alumni to attend the SAFETYNET 2nd Scientific Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Under the theme Field Epidemiology in a Changing World: Advancing Health Amidst the Evolving Ecosystem and Technology, the conference brought together more than 380 participants from across Asia and the Pacific.

Two Cambodian FETP alumni presented their work at the conference, showcasing both the depth and practical relevance of Cambodia’s field epidemiology work.

Pac-EVIPP+ researcher Dr Polly Wallace (centre) and Cambodian FETP alumni Khemrin Pong (left) and Sokly Mom (right) at the the SAFETYNET 2nd Scientific Conference. Image: supplied

Mr Sokly Mom, an advanced FETP alumnus, gave an oral presentation, Introducing the 7-1-7 public health framework in Cambodia through response action reviews to multiple events of avian influenza infection among humans, 2023–2024. His work demonstrated how the application of the 7-1-7 framework can help strengthen future outbreak detection and response while providing recommendations for future improvement. 

Mr Khemrin Pong presented a poster showcasing his work with the Cambodia Ministry of Health, which provided critical insights into surveillance system performance. Mr Pong was also part of the oral presentation that explored healthcare workers’ knowledge and attitude Workers toward human mpox viral infection in Kampong Thom Provincial Hospital, highlighting opportunities to strengthen frontline preparedness.

Engaging in regional governance

Beyond conference participation, Pac-EVIPP+ also actively serves as a development partner with the ASEAN+3 Field Epidemiology Training Network (FETN) Steering Committee Meeting. 

The network plays a strategic role in strengthening regional epidemiology capacity, promoting multi-country collaboration, and advancing shared learning on outbreak response, surveillance systems, and public health threats.

Indonesia hosted and chaired the 15th Steering Committee Meeting, where discussions focused on reviewing the 2024–2025 work plan, identifying collaboration mechanisms with development partners—including Pac-EVIPP+—and drafting the work plan for 2026.

Themed “Strengthening Multi-Source Collaborative Surveillance for Early Detection and Risk Assessment in the ASEAN+3 Region", the 15th ASEAN+3 Field Epidemiology Training Network Steering Committee Meeting (ASEAN+3 FETN) was held from November 27 to 28, 2025, in Jakarta, Indonesia. Image: supplied

Investing in the next generation

In 2026, support from Pac-EVIPP+ will also benefit FETP in Lao PDR.

Established in 2009 under the Ministry of Health, the Lao FETP is a national program designed to build a skilled public health workforce capable of conducting disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and emergency response. 

The program adopts a One Health approach and includes short courses and a core professional training program, integrating human and animal health to address emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. 

With Pac-EVIPP+ funding, the 2026 Lao FETP cohort will commence training in May and conclude with a graduation ceremony in October. The Pac-EVIPP+ team looks forward to supporting participants throughout the program and to strengthening the epidemiology workforce in Lao PDR.

With these efforts in place, Pac-EVIPP+ remains focused on strengthening epidemiology capacity across the region.