Guidelines

Competencies for One Health field epidemiology (COHFE) framework

15/05/2024

World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and World Organisation for Animal Health.

The COHFE framework defines the knowledge, skills, and competencies (KSC) needed for field epidemiologists to implement the One Health approach. It consists of 14 domains with guidance for the frontline, intermediate, and advanced training levels. KSC statements are further classified as core One Health, optional One Health, or sector-specific for human health, animal health, or the environment. 

Technical domains 

  • Foundational knowledge & skills 
  • Surveillance systems 
  • Field investigations 
  • Disease management 
  • Laboratory capacity 
  • Infection prevention & control, biosafety & biosecurity 
  • Preparedness & response 
  • Epidemiological studies 
  • Data management, biostatistics & informatics 
  • Ecosystem Health 

Functional domains 

  • Leadership & management 
  • Communication & community engagement 
  • Training 
  • Ethics 
See the document (pdf - 2 MB)