Background East and Southern African countries are susceptible to disease outbreaks, and vulnerable to public health emergencies due to constrained health systems. We aim to promote the development of a critical mass of epidemiologists to work with National Public Health Institutes and Ministries of Health to strengthen response capacity.

Methods The East and Southern Africa Consortium for Outbreak Epidemiology Training (ENTRANT) programme was established with funding from EDCTP and Africa CDC, to provide epidemiological training and mentorship to early- to mid-career public health professionals working in the region. ENTRANT is coordinated by a consortium of institutional partners relevant to outbreak response in the region, and supported by an independent Advisory Committee comprising experts in capacity strengthening in sub-Saharan Africa. A competitive application process was implemented to identify high-calibre public health professionals for entry into the programme. Fellows undertake MSc Epidemiology at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) followed by further focussed short course multidisciplinary training on the emergence, spread and response to pandemics. Fellows receive mentorship from experienced epidemiologists in their home country, and take part in regular transferable skills training and networking activities.

Results From a total of 324 applications, 15 public health professionals (eight female, seven male) from Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia have been awarded Fellowships. To date, six have completed their MSc Epidemiology training, with the remaining Fellows due to complete in October 2023. Fellows who have completed formal training have gone on to work for Ministries of Health and public health research institutions. Fellows at all stages of the programme have formed a strong network through regular meetings and networking events.

Conclusion The ENTRANT programme has been successfully established. Further funding will be sought to further expand the programme and promote a long-term mutually-supporting network of outbreak and pandemic control practitioners.