Africa CDC Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) Fellowship 2026 for Mid-Career African Public Health Professionals
Applications are now open for the 2026 Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) Fellowship, an important professional development program organized by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. This fully funded fellowship aims to strengthen Africa’s public health workforce by equipping experienced professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage health emergencies across the continent.
The fellowship is part of the broader health security initiatives supported by the African Union, which seeks to build resilient health systems in African countries. Through specialized training, mentorship, and practical experience, the program prepares participants to lead emergency response systems and improve public health preparedness in their respective nations.
Public health threats such as disease outbreaks, pandemics, environmental hazards, and humanitarian crises continue to challenge healthcare systems across Africa. Addressing these challenges requires a well-trained workforce capable of detecting, preparing for, and responding quickly to emergencies. The Africa CDC PHEM Fellowship was designed to develop such professionals and support countries in strengthening their emergency management systems.
The application deadline is 31 March 2026, and eligible professionals working in government public health institutions across Africa are encouraged to apply.
About the Africa CDC PHEM Fellowship
The Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) Fellowship is a six-month capacity-building program that focuses on developing a highly skilled workforce capable of managing public health emergencies effectively. The fellowship aligns with the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) Agenda, which emphasizes the importance of developing a sustainable health security workforce within Africa.
The goal of this initiative is to ensure that African countries have professionals who are trained to detect, monitor, and respond to health emergencies quickly and efficiently. Fellows will gain practical knowledge in emergency management systems, risk assessment, preparedness planning, and coordinated response mechanisms.
Through this program, participants will develop the leadership skills necessary to establish or strengthen Public Health Emergency Operations Centers (PHEOCs) in their home countries. These centers are essential for coordinating responses to disease outbreaks and other health crises.
Who Should Apply
The fellowship specifically targets mid-career public health professionals who are already working in public sector institutions within Africa. It is particularly suitable for individuals who have experience in public health emergency preparedness, response programs, or the management of Public Health Emergency Operations Centers.
Professionals who are currently responsible for planning or coordinating emergency responses in their countries will benefit greatly from this program. By participating in the fellowship, they will gain practical tools and advanced knowledge that can help them improve emergency management systems within their national health structures.
Applicants working in ministries of health, national public health institutes, and other government health agencies are strongly encouraged to apply.
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Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Africa CDC PHEM Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet several eligibility criteria established by the program organizers.
First, applicants must be citizens of a member state of the African Union. Since the fellowship aims to strengthen health systems across Africa, only professionals from African Union countries are eligible to participate.
Secondly, there is an age requirement for applicants. Candidates must be 50 years old or younger by July 31, 2026 to be considered for the program.
Applicants must also hold a postgraduate degree in public health or a related discipline. Relevant academic backgrounds may include fields such as epidemiology, medicine, environmental health, health policy, and global health.
In addition to academic qualifications, applicants must demonstrate relevant professional experience in areas related to public health. This may include work in emergency preparedness and response, Public Health Emergency Operations Centers (PHEOCs), health logistics and supply chain management, health economics, health policy, animal health, environmental health, or the One Health approach.
Another important requirement is that applicants must currently be full-time government employees working in public health within a public institution in Africa. This ensures that the knowledge and experience gained during the fellowship will directly benefit national health systems.
Finally, applicants should demonstrate strong leadership potential and the ability to implement public health emergency management programs in their countries after completing the fellowship.
Selection Process
The selection process for the PHEM Fellowship is highly competitive and will be conducted by an independent selection committee. This committee consists of experts from the African Union Commission, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, and various technical partners.
The committee will review all submitted applications and assess candidates based on their professional experience, leadership potential, academic background, and their ability to contribute to strengthening public health emergency management systems in their home countries.
Selected fellows will also be assigned to fellowship training sites based on the program’s needs and strategic priorities. The final placement decision will be made solely by Africa CDC.
Fellowship Benefits and Funding
The Africa CDC PHEM Fellowship is fully funded, meaning that selected participants will receive financial and logistical support throughout the duration of the program.
Africa CDC will cover all costs associated with the fellowship, including:
- Travel expenses for fellowship activities
- Monthly allowance for living expenses
- Health insurance coverage
- Training and learning materials
- Costs related to residential training placements
This comprehensive financial support ensures that fellows can fully focus on developing their professional skills and gaining practical experience without financial barriers.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible applicants should submit their applications through the official Africa CDC website before the 31 March 2026 deadline.
To learn more about the fellowship requirements and application procedures, visit the official application page:
https://africacdc.org/career/african-public-health-emergency-management-fellowship-cohort-iii-announcement/
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents early and submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
The Africa CDC Public Health Emergency Management Fellowship offers a valuable opportunity for African public health professionals to strengthen their expertise and contribute to the improvement of health security systems across the continent.
By investing in workforce development, the program plays a crucial role in preparing Africa to respond effectively to future public health emergencies. Professionals who are passionate about strengthening public health preparedness and emergency response systems are strongly encouraged to apply.