Deadline: 31-Mar-2026
The African Public Health Emergency Management Fellowship is a six-month residential program in Ethiopia and Zambia for mid-career public health professionals from African Union member states. The fellowship strengthens leadership and operational capacity in emergency preparedness and response, offering mentorship, field placements, study tours, and practical experience to enhance national Public Health Emergency Operations Centres (PHEOCs).
Overview of the Fellowship
The PHEM Fellowship builds capacity for public health emergency management across Africa by:
- Enhancing expertise in emergency management functions and operations
- Strengthening leadership in preparedness and response programs
- Improving operational capacity within PHEOCs
- Fostering collaboration through study tours and expert engagement
- Supporting expansion of national emergency management programs upon fellows’ return
The fellowship combines residential training, mentorship, study tours, hands-on field placements, and project completion, providing practical and strategic learning for public health leaders.
Fellowship Structure
- Duration: Six months (full-time residential)
- Locations: Ethiopia and Zambia
- Components:
- In-person training and mentorship
- Study tours within Africa and globally
- Field placements in emergency response settings
- Final project development and evaluation
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizens of an African Union Member State
- Age: 50 years or younger by July 31, 2026
- Education: Postgraduate degree in public health or a related field
- Professional Experience: Managing PHEOCs or leading emergency preparedness and response programs
- Employment: Full-time civil servants in public health at government institutions
- Disciplines: PHEOC operations, One Health, medicine, logistics and supply chain, health economics, health policy, animal or environmental health, or related fields
- Commitment: Ability to implement impactful public health emergency management programs upon returning to their home country
Key Learning Outcomes
Fellows are expected to:
- Develop leadership and advisory skills in public health emergency management
- Apply global best practices in their home country’s emergency preparedness programs
- Enhance operational effectiveness of national PHEOCs
- Contribute to policy development and program expansion in emergency management
How to Apply
- Confirm Eligibility: Check citizenship, age, education, employment, and professional experience
- Prepare Application: Include academic and professional credentials, experience in emergency management, and a statement of impact
- Submit Application: Follow the official fellowship portal instructions before the deadline
- Selection: Based on professional experience, potential for leadership, and ability to implement national programs
Why This Fellowship Matters
- Strengthens emergency preparedness and response systems in African countries
- Builds leadership capacity for public health emergencies
- Enhances national and regional collaboration for emergency response
- Provides hands-on experience and mentorship from global experts
- Contributes to resilient health systems capable of responding to crises effectively
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to meet the age or citizenship requirements
- Submitting incomplete or unclear professional experience documentation
- Ignoring the requirement of full-time government employment
- Not demonstrating a clear plan for applying skills in home country
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is eligible for the fellowship?
Mid-career public health professionals from African Union member states with relevant postgraduate education and government employment.
2. How long is the program?
Six months, full-time residential.
3. Where is the fellowship conducted?
Ethiopia and Zambia.
4. What disciplines are considered?
Public health, medicine, One Health, logistics, health policy, health economics, environmental or animal health, and related fields.
5. Is there an age limit?
Yes, applicants must be 50 years or younger by July 31, 2026.
6. Are study tours included?
Yes, both within Africa and internationally.
7. What is expected upon completion?
Fellows should implement emergency management improvements and expand PHEOC capabilities in their home countries.
Conclusion
The African Public Health Emergency Management Fellowship 2026 offers a unique capacity-building opportunity for mid-career professionals to strengthen emergency preparedness systems, enhance leadership skills, and contribute to resilient national and regional public health programs. By participating, fellows gain practical experience, mentorship, and global exposure to tackle public health emergencies effectively.
For more information, visit Africa CDC.