Application Deadline: 31 March 2026
The Africa CDC is now accepting applications for the 2026 cohort of its prestigious Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) Fellowship. Addressing the multitude of public health challenges confronting the African continent necessitates a workforce that is not only well-trained but also fully equipped to respond effectively. In line with the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) Agenda, there is a strong emphasis on cultivating self-reliant health security systems that prioritize workforce capacity building. This initiative aligns closely with the African Union (AU)'s strategic vision to strengthen public health capabilities through targeted medium- and long-term professional development programs tailored to critical areas of need.
The creation of the six-month Africa CDC Public Health Emergency Management Fellowship offers a structured route for nurturing a cadre of competent professionals capable of spearheading emergency management initiatives. These programs focus on the prompt identification and management of public health crises whenever they arise. The Fellowship particularly encourages mid-career African public health practitioners employed within governmental agencies to apply, as it seeks individuals who have experience overseeing Public Health Emergency Operations Centers (PHEOCs) or leading emergency preparedness and response efforts within AU member states.
Participants in the PHEM Fellowship will undergo a comprehensive and standardized training curriculum supplemented by hands-on mentorship, practical exposure, and technical support. The program draws inspiration from the US-CDC’s PHEM Fellowship model, ensuring Fellows gain specialized knowledge in emergency management operations and functions. Throughout the fellowship, trainees will engage in study tours, actively contribute within the Africa CDC Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), participate in simulated public health exercises and real response operations, and receive expert guidance from global leaders in emergency management.
After successful completion, Fellows are expected to return to their home countries equipped to expand and enhance public health emergency management frameworks. They will be prepared to assume leadership and advisory roles that significantly bolster their nations’ capacity to manage health emergencies.
Fellowship Structure
This fellowship is a six-month, full-time residential program that demands full commitment from the selected candidates. The upcoming third cohort will be hosted at two primary locations: the Africa CDC Headquarters in Ethiopia and the Southern Regional Collaborative Centre in Zambia.
The program commences with fourteen weeks of immersive, in-person instruction where Fellows are paired with seasoned mentors to deepen their understanding and skillset. Following this, Fellows will embark on two weeks of study tours, each visiting one PHEOC within Africa and another outside the continent, providing comparative insights into different operational contexts.
Subsequently, Fellows will engage in a four-week field placement embedded within PHEOCs and emergency response settings, allowing direct application of their acquired skills. The fellowship culminates in a final four-week phase dedicated to project completion, rigorous evaluations, and a graduation ceremony.
Who Should Apply?
This program is tailored for mid-level public health professionals who currently manage or have substantial experience with public health emergency operations centers or are responsible for emergency preparedness and response activities within their countries.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be citizens of an African Union Member State.
- Age limit: Candidates must be 50 years old or younger as of 31 July 2026.
- Hold a postgraduate degree in public health or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrate relevant professional experience in any public health-related sector, including but not limited to PHEOC operations, one health, clinical medicine, finance, logistics, supply chain management, health economics, policy development, veterinary health, or environmental health.
- Be full-time civil servants employed by governmental public health institutions within Africa.
- Show clear potential to develop and implement impactful public health emergency management programs upon completion of the fellowship.
The selection process will be conducted by an independent panel composed of experts from the African Union Commission, Africa CDC, and various technical partners. The decision regarding the assignment of training sites lies exclusively with Africa CDC.
Funding and Support
The Africa CDC will cover all costs associated with the fellowship, including travel expenses, accommodation, learning materials, a monthly stipend, and insurance for the duration of the residential training. This ensures that Fellows can fully focus on their professional development without financial concerns.
Encouragement for Underrepresented Countries
The Africa CDC strongly encourages applications from candidates hailing from countries that have been historically underrepresented in previous cohorts. These nations include Algeria, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Morocco, Namibia, Niger, Rwanda, Sahrawi Democratic Republic, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles, South Africa, South Sudan, Togo, Tunisia, and Zambia.
Key Dates to Remember
- Application Deadline: 31 March 2026
- Notification of Successful Applicants: By May 2026
- Fellowship Commencement: June 2026
For complete details and to submit your application, please Visit the Official Webpage of the Africa CDC Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) Fellowship.
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