Applications are now open for the Fully-funded Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Programme for public health leaders from Africa

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Closing date: 30 December 2024

Applications are now open for the Fully-funded Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Programme for public health leaders from Africa

Overview

The Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Programme supports aspirational public health leaders from Africa in acquiring advanced skills and competencies to strategize, manage and lead public health programmes that will transform public health in Africa

The African Union Commission launched the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) – Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Programme on 25 May 2020 in partnership with the Kofi Annan Foundation, following its approval by the Governing Board of Africa CDC in March 2018.

Fellows admitted in the programme are 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 mentor and develop the next generation of public health leaders for the continent.

Reflecting on the remarkable progress of the Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Health Leadership Programme, having graduated 59 Fellows from over 20 AU Member States and currently training 25 more from 19 Member States, the program has witnessed the tangible impact of this visionary initiative. The programme’s alumni have not only honed their leadership qualities but are also actively shaping the future of healthcare across Africa. With some leading national programmes, others are replicating leadership programmes in their institutions, and some have taken up Government positions, the ripple effect of this leadership program is undeniable.

Who Should Apply

This program targets aspirational public health professionals across the African union member states with a background in any field of public health including, but not limited to, One Health, human medicine, finance, health policy, animal health, Sexual and reproductive health, or environmental health. Successful applicants are public health professionals who want to acquire advanced skills in leading impactful health initiatives, employing health diplomacy, as well as enhance their ability to develop bold, strategic and achievable goals to propel Africa towards achieving Agenda 2063.

What is included by the Fellowship?

The Fellowship will support one year of high-level professional development in public health leadership that includes skills in health diplomacy, change management and influencing policy, among others. Fellows will be supported by experienced experts in key fields from Africa and other parts of the world.

Fellowship Eligibility Criteria

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 after gaining a masters degree in any field of public health, including but not limited to Sexual and Reproductive health, 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.

Fellowship selection

Selection to the Fellowship will be by an independent committee comprising of experts from the African Union Commission, Africa CDC, and their global partners. The selection process will emphasize an equal opportunity approach to secure the representation of women and underrepresented groups.

Financing

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. Fellows will be supported to ensure that they have the relevant software for online learning.