The Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (FELTP) in Kenya, in collaboration with the Division of National Malaria Program (DNMP) and the Country Health Information Systems and Data Use (CHISU), recently completed a “Malaria Focussed Frontline FETP training” aimed at enhancing the capacity of county and sub-county staff in malaria surveillance and control. The program recruited 40 healthcare workers drawn from Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Siaya, Busia, Bungoma, Vihiga, Kakamega, Turkana, Marsabit, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kirinyaga, and Nyeri Counties for the training.

Participants, who included malaria control coordinators, health records and information officers, laboratory services coordinators, pharmaceutical coordinators, and disease surveillance coordinators, underwent the comprehensive training curriculum divided into three 5-day courses held between 30th October and 15th December 2023. The training covered key areas such as epidemiology, data management, and field project implementation aligned with malaria thematic areas such as surveillance, case management, commodity management, and vector control. During course 3, each participant presented their field project findings, which were evaluated by facilitators using a standardized tool. Field projects were aligned with malaria thematic areas and involved reviewing malaria surveillance data, assessing malaria data quality, identifying gaps, and offering actionable recommendations.

Notably, 93% of participants successfully graduated within the stipulated timeline. Post-training, graduates will play pivotal roles in supporting malaria surveillance activities in their respective counties and sub-counties, contributing to the evaluation of malaria intervention strategies and the improvement of malaria control measures.