Overview
#DYK On September 7, 1854, John Snow presented his findings from the Broad Street cholera outbreak to local officials—prompting the removal of the contaminated water pump handle. This action not only stopped the outbreak but also changed the course of modern epidemiology.
On this important date, we observe “World Field Epidemiology Day” to recognise the contribution of field epidemiologists who continue this legacy—detecting, investigating, and controlling public health threats to safeguard communities worldwide.
World Field Epidemiology Day 2025
This year, the theme is “Making Our Mark: Field Epidemiology in Action” aims to recognise and raise awareness of the vital role of field epidemiologists in protecting the health of populations and advancing global health security, and to advocate for increased investment in field epidemiology training, research, and professionals.
Key messages
- Field epidemiology is key to strengthening epidemiologic and surveillance capacity at all levels of the health system, mitigating public health threats, and leading to reduced mortality and case numbers, epidemic duration, and potential for spread.
- Field epidemiology requires a systematic approach to solving problems, enabling effective outbreak management and emergency response.
- Increased field epidemiology capacity allows for quicker outbreak response, making it possible to break chains of transmission, decrease the number of cases and deaths, and mitigate the socioeconomic consequences.
- Increasing investment in field epidemiology training and technology is crucial to ensuring high-quality health information for strong decision-making and the development of evidence-informed policies.
- Field epidemiologists help establish sustainable surveillance systems today to prevent complex health emergencies in the future.
- Surveys and investigations conducted by field epidemiologists have led to improvements in public health service delivery: for example, improvement of sanitation systems and increased vaccination coverage.
- Increasing investment in multidisciplinary field epidemiology training can have lasting and positive effects on the structure and coordination of health agencies.
- To safeguard and promote the health of its citizens, every country must have an effective field epidemiology capacity.
Take-home message
- Diseases know no borders—health threats anywhere are health threats everywhere.
- Field epidemiology is critical to detect, investigate, and control health threats.
- Investing in training and multidisciplinary capacity ensures faster outbreak response and better-prepared health systems.
- Field epidemiologists are “in action” every day—addressing pandemics, climate change–driven threats, zoonoses, and more.
Read more: https://www.worldfieldepidemiologyday.org/
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