EMPHNET works with countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) to strengthen public health systems in an effort to contribute to improved health outcomes. We aim at strengthening public health capacity with a specific focus on applied epidemiology. We are the only Public Health Network in the region and our work is an accumulation of collaborative efforts with Ministries of Health of countries in the region. We support Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) as a mechanism for advancing public health workforce capacity in the region. EMPHNET’s work is guided by the public health approach with emphasis on populations and risk factors. Our ultimate aim is to contribute to enhancing health status in the region by promoting country capacity in applied epidemiology with special emphasis on surveillance and outbreak investigations.