African Epidemic Service Fellowship by Africa CDC

Program Overview

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has instituted the African Epidemic Service (AES), a premier workforce initiative under the African Union. This program features three specialization tracks: Epidemiology, Laboratory Leadership, and Public Health Informatics. The Epidemiology track is a rigorous, two-year applied training aimed at amplifying the disease prevention and response capabilities across African Union member states. The inaugural cohort began in August 2024 and is currently engaged in field training at respective host sites. Applications are now open for the second cohort.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be citizens of African Union Member States.
• Age must be under 35 years, aligning with the African Union's youth definition.
• Employment within an African country is mandatory, with official permission from a government institution to attend the full two-year training and assurance of return to their post-training roles.
• Possession of a graduate degree from an accredited institution in human medicine, veterinary medicine, or doctoral qualifications in nursing, environmental sciences, or other related public health fields.
• Master of Public Health (MPH) or equivalent with coursework in epidemiology or quantitative research methodologies is required.
• At least three years of recent full-time postgraduate experience in public health within an African country.
• Functional proficiency in any of the African Union working languages, with capability to comprehend and compose technical medical and epidemiological literature.

Application Requirements

• Valid national passport from an African Union Member State.
• Official governmental authorization letter endorsing participation in the training and confirming the right of return post-fellowship.
• Two professional references from reputable referees.
• Official and unofficial transcripts and degrees for both bachelor's and master's education levels.
• Proof of recent full-time public health experience within Africa.
• A curriculum vitae limited to two pages.
• A motivation statement (maximum two pages) detailing educational background, relevant experience, program fit, and the anticipated impact on the applicant's country.
• Additional relevant certification documentation is optional but welcomed.

Benefits and Opportunities

• Gain insights into African human rights mechanisms including the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) processes such as state reviews, communications, and country visits.
• Enhance advocacy skills pertinent to ACHPR through practical case study learning.
• Network with defenders involved in varied human rights causes across Africa through forums and events.
• Engage directly with policymakers and key stakeholders to advance human rights advocacy.

Additional Information

• The training begins on October 10, 2026.
• The program expects full-time engagement over six days.
• The fellowship is highly competitive and intended for senior applicants with substantial experience.
• All applications must be completed online and are subject to completeness; incomplete submissions are not reviewed.
• The deadline for applications is August 26, 2026.
• Contact for inquiries: AESP@africa-union.org