MHMS participates in Data to Policy (D2P) Training of Trainers Workshop for Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) Faculty in Papua New Guinea

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) recently participated in the Data to Policy (D2P) Training of Trainers Workshop for Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) faculty from the 7^th to 11^th April in Papua New Guinea. The workshop aimed to introduce and recognize the goals and purpose of the Data to Policy (D2P) training program and its potential for integration into the intermediate Field Epidemiology Training Program (iFETP), apply instructional skills to successfully facilitate D2P training materials; competently mentor iFETP fellows in the development of policy briefs, and respond effectively to common facilitations and mentoring challenges.

The MHMS National Surveillance Coordinator Ms Cynthia Joshua, AMR- One Health Coordinator Mr Rolly Viga, Principal Medical Statistician Ms Seraphina Elisha, Kiluúfi Hospital Surveillance Focal Point officer Aaron Kusilifu, Partner Coordinator Officer Mr Frank Kade, and Chief Medical Statistician Ms Rebecca Manelase attended the workshop with 7 other participants of Papua New Guinea.

MHMS, Solomon Island participants stated the training is important for Solomon Islands because turning data into health policy is an important area that needs capacity development in Solomon Islands. The D2P training provides that opportunity on how health data can used to develop evidence-based policies for public health.

“Therefore, Solomon Islands participation in the training was purposely for exposure and introduction to the concept of the D2P modules integration for field epidemiology training program. Furthermore, the training offered a great opportunity for the Sols FETP faculty team to gain insights and practical lessons learnt from the FETPNG faculty on the D2P integration in their FETP cohort training and what options would be applicable and benefiting to the Solomon Islands context.

The Solomon Islands participants included a combination of Solomon Islands Field Epidemiology Training Program (Sols FETP) faculty, health information systems and health policy and planning which gives an opportunity for networking between the different health program areas for the future implementation of the D2P training program in Solomon Islands.

Meanwhile, the Bloomberg Data for Health Initiative has been working with governments in over 30 countries globally including Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands in the pacific region; to expand the use of data to enhance public health planning and policy development. The Vital Strategies Data Impact Program (DIP) is an implementing partner of the Data for Health Initiative have developed a training program called the Data to Policy (D2P) program, which aims to bridge the data-policy gap through team-based training and mentoring of health professionals to develop data-driven policy briefs and recommendations that respond to local health priorities.

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