In the face of growing health threats that have the potential to cross borders, ICAP in Eurasia is advancing a powerful solution – training the next generation of One Health experts.

In May 2025 in Tbilisi, Georgia, ICAP launched the fourth cohort of its Intermediate Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP-I), an initiative supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This 10-month intensive program brings together 12 FETP-I trainees, or residents, and six mentors from the ministries of health and agriculture across the Eastern Europe and Southern Caucasus (EESC), including Armenia, Moldova, and Ukraine. Together, these health leaders embark on a journey to develop skills needed to prevent, detect, and respond to disease threats at the interface of humans, animals, and the environment.

The FETP-I is built around the One Health approach, a collaborative, transdisciplinary model that recognizes the interconnectedness of people, animals, and ecosystems. Through a combination of classroom-based instruction, hands-on fieldwork, and real-world case studies, FETP-I participants gain practical experience in tackling diseases that no sector can address alone.

“As a graduate of the EESC FETP, I can confidently say it was an incredibly rewarding experience. The program contributed significantly to my growth, both personally and professionally,” said Oxana Constantinova, a FETP-I mentor from Moldova. “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to now give back by sharing the knowledge and experience I gained with the current cohort of residents in the role of mentor.”

As part of their fieldwork, residents investigate high-priority zoonotic and infectious diseases relevant to the region, including Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), anthrax, brucellosis, rabies, mumps, salmonellosis, leptospirosis, and other seasonal respiratory outbreaks. These investigations not only reinforce technical knowledge but also foster cross-sector collaboration among health professionals.

“The field epidemiology training program holds significant importance within the domain of epidemiology,” said Maka Kuchava, ICAP’s FETP-I program manager. “Residents from diverse backgrounds and experiences undergo comprehensive training in fundamental epidemiology, with a strong focus on surveillance system evaluation, outbreak investigation methodologies, and the critical role of laboratories.”

Throughout the program, participants strengthen their understanding of core epidemiological concepts, learning to analyze surveillance data, evaluate public health systems, design and conduct studies, investigate outbreaks, and use statistical software to draw actionable insights.

Since its inception in 2021, the EESC FETP-I program has graduated 56 professionals – including epidemiologists, veterinarians, and laboratory specialists – from Georgia, Armenia, Moldova, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan. These alumni now play vital roles at national and regional levels, strengthening their countries’ ability to respond to public health threats.

One of the program’s greatest strengths is its emphasis on shared learning. Participants exchange experiences, challenges, and solutions from their own countries, forming a vibrant community of practice committed to continuous improvement and regional collaboration.

“As a veterinary resident in the EESC FETP, I’m excited to be part of a program that brings together professionals from multiple disciplines,” said Ruben Tovmasyan, a FETP-I resident from Armenia. “I believe the knowledge and hands-on experience I’ll gain here will greatly strengthen my ability to conduct effective One Health investigations and contribute to improved collaboration between human and animal health sectors.”

“It has been a long-time goal of mine to join this program, which I heard about from colleagues who are its graduates,” said Anastasiia Osypenko, a FETP-I resident from Ukraine. “I saw how they [FETP-I residents] grew professionally after participating, and I aspire to achieve the same. I am confident that I will gain valuable experience and new knowledge while working alongside colleagues from other countries and that we will learn a great deal from sharing our experiences.”

With the launch of this new cohort, ICAP remains committed to strengthening public health systems in Eurasia through workforce development – and to supporting integrated health strategies that save lives, protect ecosystems, and build resilient communities.

About ICAP

A major global health organization that has been improving public health in countries around the world for two decades, ICAP works to transform the health of populations through innovation, science, and global collaboration. Based at Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP has projects in more than 40 countries, working side-by-side with ministries of health and local governmental, non-governmental, academic, and community partners to confront some of the world’s greatest health challenges. Through evidence-informed programs, meaningful research, tailored technical assistance, effective training and education programs, and rigorous surveillance to measure and evaluate the impact of public health interventions, ICAP aims to realize a global vision of healthy people, empowered communities, and thriving societies. Online at icap.columbia.edu