Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Announces African Public Health Emergency Management Fellowship Cohort III
Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention launches the African Public Health Emergency Management Fellowship Cohort III for mid-career professionals. Apply by March 31, 2026.
Strengthening Africa’s Public Health Workforce
Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has announced the launch of the African Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) Fellowship Cohort III. The program is designed to strengthen the continent’s public health workforce and enhance emergency preparedness capabilities. This initiative aligns with the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda, which emphasizes building self-sustaining health security systems across African Union member states.
The fellowship responds to the growing need for skilled professionals capable of managing public health emergencies, including disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and other health-related threats. By investing in workforce development, the program seeks to create a network of professionals equipped to lead emergency response efforts across Africa.
Fellowship Goal and Objectives
The primary goal of the PHEM Fellowship is to develop a cadre of African public health professionals who are highly skilled in coordinating preparedness and response to public health emergencies. Participants will gain practical and theoretical knowledge necessary to manage emergency operations and lead strategic response initiatives.
The program aims to provide fellows with up-to-date knowledge on public health emergency management and the operations of Public Health Emergency Operations Centers (PHEOCs). Fellows will also receive in-depth exposure to the role of PHEOCs in preparing for and responding to emergencies. Additionally, the fellowship focuses on building leadership capacity and strengthening skills in managing emergency response functions.
Through this initiative, the organization intends to institutionalize a sustainable public health emergency management program across the continent. Graduates of the fellowship are expected to contribute to strengthening emergency response frameworks within their home countries.
Fellowship Overview
The six-month residential fellowship targets mid-career public health professionals working in government institutions across African Union member states. Candidates with experience in managing emergency preparedness programs or operating PHEOCs are strongly encouraged to apply.
The program combines structured training, mentorship, hands-on experience, and technical assistance. Fellows will undergo specialized training in emergency management functions and operations. They will also participate in study tours, public health exercises, and real-world emergency response activities.
During the fellowship, participants will work closely with experienced mentors and global specialists in emergency management. The program also provides exposure to operational environments where fellows can observe and contribute to emergency response initiatives.
Upon completion, fellows are expected to return to their home countries and expand public health emergency management programs. They will also take on leadership and advisory roles, supporting national preparedness and response strategies.
Fellowship Structure
The fellowship requires full-time commitment over six months. Training will take place at two sites: the Africa CDC Headquarters in Ethiopia and the Southern Regional Collaborative Centre in Zambia.
The program begins with fourteen weeks of in-person classes, during which fellows receive theoretical and practical training. Participants are paired with experienced mentors to support their professional development.
This is followed by two weeks of study tours. Fellows will visit one Public Health Emergency Operations Center within Africa and another outside the continent. These visits provide exposure to diverse emergency management systems and best practices.
After the study tours, fellows will complete a four-week field placement in emergency response settings. This practical component allows participants to apply their skills in real-world scenarios. The program concludes with four weeks dedicated to project completion, evaluation, and graduation.
Target Audience
The fellowship is designed for mid-level public health professionals who are currently working in government institutions. Applicants should have experience in emergency preparedness and response or managing public health operations centers.
The program specifically targets individuals who demonstrate potential to implement emergency management programs within their countries. Candidates are expected to contribute to strengthening public health systems after completing the fellowship.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet several requirements to be considered. Candidates must be citizens of an African Union member state and be 50 years old or younger by July 31, 2026. They must hold a postgraduate degree in public health or a related field.
Relevant professional experience in public health is required. This may include work in medicine, logistics, finance, health policy, environmental health, animal health, or supply chain management. Applicants must also be full-time government-employed civil servants working in public health institutions.
Candidates must demonstrate the ability to implement public health emergency management programs in their home countries. Selection will be merit-based and conducted by an independent committee comprising experts from the African Union Commission, Africa CDC, and technical partners.
Encouraging Broad Participation
The fellowship encourages applications from underrepresented African Union member states. This approach aims to ensure equitable representation and strengthen public health systems across the continent. Candidates from these countries are strongly encouraged to apply.
Important Dates
Applications for the African Public Health Emergency Management Fellowship Cohort III close on March 31, 2026. Successful applicants will be notified by May 2026. The fellowship program is scheduled to begin in June 2026.
Conclusion
The African Public Health Emergency Management Fellowship Cohort III offers a significant opportunity for mid-career public health professionals to enhance their skills and contribute to strengthening health security across Africa. Through comprehensive training, mentorship, and hands-on experience, the program aims to build a resilient workforce capable of responding effectively to public health emergencies.
APPLY NOW
