Applications open for fully funded Africa CDC Epidemiology Track Fellowship Programme 2025

By Nneka Nwogwugwu

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has opened applications for the 2025 cohort of its fully funded Epidemiology Track Fellowship Programme under the Africa Epidemic Service (AES) initiative.

Launched by Africa CDC, the AES fellowship is designed to strengthen Africa’s public health workforce and has three specialised tracks: epidemiology, laboratory leadership, and public health informatics (PHI). The Epidemiology track aims to build a pool of skilled epidemiologists equipped to tackle health emergencies across the continent.

The PHI track, a flagship initiative of Africa CDC’s Digital Transformation Strategy, addresses critical goals outlined in the Framework for Workforce Development. It seeks to develop African professionals capable of managing and leading digitally empowered health organisations to improve public health outcomes.

The fellowship spans two years and follows a competency-based, “learning-by-doing” model, with 80% practical and 20% theoretical training. It includes both in-person and virtual learning sessions, complemented by hands-on fieldwork at designated host sites such as Ministries of Health, National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs), and Africa CDC headquarters. Training will be delivered in English and French.

The program will commence in June 2025 and will select 20 fellows from across the African continent. Successful participants will receive a certificate of completion.

Eligibility Criteria

The program targets professionals from African Union Member States with a background in public health informatics, digital health, or data science. Eligible candidates must:

• Hold at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a health-related field, computer science, data science, or information technology.

• Have a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience (for master’s degree holders) or 5 years (for bachelor’s degree holders).

• Candidates with a health-related degree must have experience with informatics or data science applications.

• Candidates with a degree in computer science or a related field must have experience in health, medical, clinical, bioinformatics, public health, biostatistics, or epidemiology.

• Preference will be given to professionals currently employed by Ministries of Health, National Public Health Institutes, or closely affiliated agencies, including the private sector.

Africa CDC emphasises gender equity, inclusivity, and regional representation in its selection process.

Fellowship Benefits

The fellowship is fully funded. Africa CDC will cover all costs related to the program, including:

• Learning and development materials

• Travel (airfare, lodging, and incidentals)

• Stipends

• Hardware and insurance

Fellows will also receive technical support to ensure access to the necessary software and stable internet connectivity for virtual sessions.

Application Process

All applications must be submitted through the official online application portal. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. Applicants must upload the following:

1. A valid passport from an African Union Member State

2. An official letter of support from a government institution, granting permission to attend the two-year program and return post-training

3. Two letters of recommendation from professional referees

4. Degree certificates and transcripts (bachelor’s and, if applicable, master’s)

5. An up-to-date résumé

6. A Statement of Purpose (maximum 1,500 words) outlining educational background, work experience, motivation for applying, and how the training will benefit their home country

For more information and to begin your application, visit the official program webpage.

Application Deadline: 21 May 2025