Raising a New Cohort of Epidemiologists in West Africa
Graduates sang and clapped as they celebrated reaching a significant milestone, beginning their new journey as the next generation of mental health leaders in West Africa. After nine months of intensive classroom and field training, fellows from Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, and Niger became the founding members of the Subregional Intermediate Field Epidemiology Training Programme (FETP) in Mental Health.
The ceremony took place in Côte d’Ivoire on 20 August.
“This training has been an unmatched opportunity,” said Dr. Harouna Morou, the representative of the FETP graduates.
Dr. Morou expressed his deepest gratitude to the health authorities of Côte d’Ivoire for their vision and dedication to mental health. He also thanked the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) for making the training possible.
In addition, Dr. Morou extended thanks to the godfather of their cohort, Professor Youssa Traoré, for his inspiration and continuous support, as well as to the trainers who passionately shared their knowledge with the graduates.
Professor Traoré himself is a graduate of the Africa CDC Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Leadership.
Summary
The first cohort of mental health epidemiologists in West Africa completed nine months of rigorous training, supported by Africa CDC, AFENET, and local health authorities, marking a pivotal step in regional mental health leadership.