Strengthening epidemiological capacity in the Pacific: Lessons from the SHIP-DDM Programme — The Association Specialists
  1. Schedule
  2. Oral Presentations - Strengthening the future epidemiological workforce across the region
  3. Strengthening epidemiological capacity in the Pacific: Lessons from the SHIP-DDM Programme

Strengthening epidemiological capacity in the Pacific: Lessons from the SHIP-DDM Programme (23885)

Patrick Chinyamuchiko 1 , SHIP-DDM Team 2 , Lalomilo Varea 1 , Berlin Kafoa 2 , Louise Fonua 1
  1. Public Health Division, The Pacific Community, Suva, Fiji
  2. The Pacific Community, Noumea, New Caledonia, NEW CALEDONIA, New Caledonia

Background

Investment in epidemiological capacity is essential for effective disease surveillance, outbreak response, and evidence-informed decision-making. The Strengthening Health Interventions in the Pacific – Data for Decision Making (SHIP‑DDM) programme is a capacity development initiative designed to build applied epidemiology and health data competencies among Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) public health professionals. Delivered through three progressive training tiers and accredited by Fiji National University, the programme combines academic rigour with workplace-based learning. A formal evaluation conducted in 2024 examined SHIP-DDM effectiveness in developing epidemiology skills.

Methods

A mixed-methods evaluation was conducted between May and August 2024 across eight PICTs (Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Vanuatu). Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires with 72 SHIP-DDM participants and interviews of 16 senior health officials. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis to assess training relevance, satisfaction, skills application, and contributions to public health systems and decision-making.

Results

Overall satisfaction was high, with 90% of participants reporting they were satisfied or very satisfied. Most participants (92%) reported applying epidemiological competencies in their routine work, particularly in outbreak investigation, public health surveillance, data analysis, and communication. Graduates contributed to improved data management systems, development of standard operating procedures, strengthened outbreak responses, and improved reporting quality. Senior health officials observed noticeable improvements in the quality of work among SHIP-DDM graduates compared with non-graduates. Key challenges included balancing training with workload demands, intensive module schedules, variable mentoring continuity, and limited translation of project outputs into policy or programme action.

Conclusion

The SHIP-DDM programme has effectively strengthened applied epidemiology skills and contributed to improved public health practice across the Pacific. Enhancing mentoring, refining module structure and strengthening institutional mechanisms for evidence use will further increase the programme’s impact and help sustain epidemiological capacity within PICT health systems.