Since 2022, the UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) International Health Regulations Strengthening Project (IHR-SP) has been collaborating with Zambia’s Levy Mwanawasa Medical University (Levy) to build sustainable public health leadership capacity through the Advanced Field Epidemiology Training Programme (FETP). What began as UK-led training is now evolving into a locally-owned initiative that showcases Zambia's growing expertise in developing confident public health leaders.

Building capacity through collaboration

The Leadership and Management Development module equips field epidemiologists with the critical people management skills that are necessary during public health emergencies. Participants learn to identify their leadership strengths and development areas, enabling them to effectively motivate colleagues and lead teams in the field.

IHR-SP’s Workforce Development technical advisers designed the Leadership and Management Development module in 2022 with an overarching theme of future sustainability and a plan to transfer ownership to Zambian public health experts over time. Whilst the original model saw IHR-SP UK technical advisers delivering 100% of the modules, IHR-SP ran a Training of Trainers (ToT) in August 2023 for Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) colleagues to build capacity to deliver the module locally and increasingly independently. A refresher ToT was also delivered in May 2025, attended by additional colleagues from the University of Zambia (UNZA) and other partner organisations, including Levy, The World Bank – Global Financing Facility (GFF), and Systems Strengthening for Health and Education (SSHE).

The most recent training in May 2025 marked a significant milestone to sustainability, as Zambian public health colleagues from ZNPHI and UNZA successfully delivered almost half (45%) of the module’s content to 20 FETP participants.

Measurable success through local expertise

Evaluation data of the latest training showed a highly positive reception across all evaluated aspects, indicating that the training was well-received, effectively delivered, and met or exceeded participant expectations. The newly trained Zambian facilitators also received highly positive feedback, demonstrating strong facilitation, communication, and engagement techniques. This early success validates the effectiveness of the TOT approach, confirms that Zambia’s public health workforce possess the talent and expertise to deliver the training effectively, and sets a compelling evidence base for full local ownership of the module.

FETP participants and facilitators at the latest Leadership and Management Development module training

Building for sustainability: immediate and long-term plans

The IHR-SP team is now focussed on facilitating the complete transition of programme ownership to ZNPHI, Levy and UNZA to deliver the training to the next cohort. The immediate focus is developing comprehensive facilitator notes for each module component, so that local trainers can confidently deliver the content with minimal support from UKHSA technical advisers – shifting from direct facilitation to behind-the-scenes preparation assistance. This ongoing transition exemplifies IHR-SP’s commitment to building lasting capacity by supporting local expertise while strengthening global health security.

Nationwide transformation: the next phase of Leadership Development in Zambia

Through strategic partnerships with universities in Lusaka delivering the Advanced FETP, the programme is expanding its impact beyond its original scope. These collaborations have resulted in some exciting discussions to establish Leadership Development as a core module, not only in Advanced FETP but in wider public health trainings across Zambia. In response, IHR-SP is co-developing a proposal for ZNPHI and the Ministry of Health with stakeholders from ZNPHI and academic institutions within Lusaka, recommending integration of the Leadership and Management Development Module into relevant Higher Education Public Health Training and In-Service Training curricula – potentially transforming public health capacity nationwide.