The Fellowship aims to support aspirational public health leaders (Fellows) in Africa in acquiring advanced skills and competencies to strategize, manage, and lead public health programs that will positively transform public health in Africa.
Fellows admitted to the program will be senior public health professionals from African Union Member States who will contribute to and lead the implementation of a new public health order for Africa, and in turn develop the next generation of public health leaders. As the Africa CDC reflects on the remarkable progress of the Kofi Annan Fellowship in the Global Health Leadership Programme, having graduated 39 Fellows from over 20 African nations and currently nurturing 20 more from 14 African countries, they witness the tangible impact of this visionary initiative. The program’s alumni have not only honed their leadership qualities but are also actively shaping the future of healthcare across the continent. With two fellows authoring books, others replicating the program within their institutions, and one even ascending to the role of a Minister of government, the ripple effect of this leadership program is undeniable.
For Cohort 4 they continue to encourage a diversity of applicants from across the continent, and specifically for Cohort 4 Public Mental Health Professionals are encouraged to apply. In addition, senior cadres working within government ministries and National Public Health Institutes (NPHI) are also strongly encouraged to apply.
Program Details
The Fellowship will support 12 months of high-level professional development in advanced public health leadership that includes acquiring skills in health diplomacy, change management, influencing policy, among others. Fellows will be supported by experienced experts in relevant fields from Africa and the diaspora.
At the end of the program, Fellows would have developed skills:
for competent leadership styles that influence and empower others to achieve challenging multidimensional health goals;
to frame and develop a viable strategic vision for bold, yet attainable goals for positive health outcomes;
for well-rounded globally competent leadership with attributes such as vision, resilience, flexibility and efficiency;
to steer the complex environment of public health practice to achieve and maintain positive impact; and in health politics, negotiation, partnerships, and health diplomacy.
Eligibility
Applicants for the Fellowship must:
Be citizens of an African Union Member State;
Possess a postgraduate degree in a relevant field in public health;
Have 10 years of professional experience in any field of public health, including but not limited to one health, human medicine, finance, health economics, health policy, animal health, or environmental health;
Be in full-time employment in any area of public health, in public or private institution in Africa;
Have a good track record or be able to demonstrate the potential for effective public health leadership where they can positively impact the public health outcomes of populations in Africa.
Selection Criteria
Selection to the Fellowship will be done by an independent committee comprising experts from Africa CDC, African Union and partners. Application documents must provide clear and detailed information about the applicant, their values and experience relating to the following criteria:
10 years professional experience
vision and future impact
devotion to duty and readiness to champion public health initiatives in Africa
ability to learn and use one’s talents optimally
personal and professional integrity.
Cost
Africa CDC will provide all learning and development materials and meet all costs associated with the fellowship, including travel, daily allowance and insurance during the residential placements.
Application Process
Applicants are expected to fill out the application form with their personal information, and professional background attached:
Supporting letter from the current employer to confirm employment, guarantee of a position after the fellowship (at least for one year), allowing time to fully participate
Evidence of their commitment to public health on the continent via a personal statement
Leadership project proposal that should be completed within a 12-month period.
