JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) countries face many challenges in improving population health and in progressing towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This paper aim to describe the approach, tools and achievements of the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET) towards strengthening health systems in the EMR and progressing toward the sustainable development targets. EMPHNET is a non-profit organization that has worked to support EMR countries in strengthening their public health systems since its establishment in 2009. EMPHNET invests in building workforce capacity in applied epidemiology by supporting Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) in more than ten countries in the EMR, while ensuring country ownership of these programs. EMPHNET established the Global Health Development (GHD) as an asset to maximize support towards positive change by seizing opportunities for backing up countries in influencing SDG progress. As an implementing arm to EMPHNET, GHD aligns its strategies with national policies and directions. GHD/ EMPHNET work at the regional, national and sub-national levels and tailor solutions to local context. Over the past years, EMPHNET succeeded in partnering with over 13 countries and provided technical assistance to leverage country efforts and maximize resource use. EMPHNET’s Center of Excellence for Applied Epidemiology focuses on building capacity in population health and applied epidemiology. EMPHNET supports countries in delivering effective public health programs by building capacity and conducting research to prevent and control emerging and reemerging diseases, vaccine-preventable diseases, and non-communicable diseases. The commitment to the region together with the increased trust and assertion from the countries helped GHD/ EMPHNET build a strong portfolio made possible with interconnected effort that continues to nurture and foster merit for better health to people living in the EMR.