Fellowship in Outbreak Readiness for Global Health Protection 2026

Fellowship in Outbreak Readiness for Global Health Protection 2026

Applications are open for the Fellowship in Outbreak Readiness for Global Health Protection (FOR GHP) 2026, an opportunity for public health professionals across sub Saharan Africa to strengthen their expertise in disease outbreak preparedness, emergency response and global health security. The fellowship aims to develop skilled professionals who can help their institutions and countries prepare for, manage and respond effectively to public health emergencies.

Funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Health under the Global Health Protection Programme (GHPP), the initiative tfocuses on building sustainable public health capacity across the region. Through practical training, digital learning, in person activities and professional collaboration, participants will develop knowledge and skills they can apply within their organisations and share with colleagues.

The programmers adopts a multiplier approach. Rather than focusing solely on individual professional development, it seeks to prepare participants to become trainers, facilitators and leaders who can transfer their knowledge to other professionals. This approach is intended to strengthen local expertise, encourage regional cooperation and improve the capacity of public health systems to respond to disease threats.

About the FOR GHP Fellowship

The FOR GHP Fellowship addresses the need for stronger public health emergency preparedness and response systems across sub Saharan Africa. Disease outbreaks, whether naturally occurring or intentional, can place substantial pressure on healthcare services, communities and national development.

The programme supports professionals who can contribute to outbreak management, strengthen institutional preparedness and help implement the International Health Regulations. It also promotes the One Health approach, which recognises the connections between human health, animal health and the environment.

The fellowship is delivered through a consortium of public health and research organisations, including the Africa Field Epidemiology Network, the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, the Robert Koch Institute and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute.

By combining learning activities with practical exercises and professional knowledge exchange, the programme seeks to develop a network of experts capable of supporting more coordinated and effective outbreak responses.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected participants can benefit from the following professional development opportunities:

• Training in outbreak preparedness and response.

• Practical learning through digital and in person activities.

• Simulation exercises to strengthen emergency response capabilities.

• Training in the One Health approach and global health security.

• Development of leadership, facilitation and training skills.

• Opportunities to prepare teaching case studies relevant to local contexts.

• Knowledge sharing with colleagues and public health institutions.

• Regional networking and collaboration with other professionals.

• Opportunities to contribute to stronger public health systems in participants’ home countries.

• Participation in a professional network that supports continued collaboration, mentorship and peer learning.

Programme Areas

The fellowship focuses on strengthening several interconnected areas of public health practice.

Outbreak Preparedness and Management

Participants develop competencies relevant to preparing for, managing and responding to disease outbreaks. The training is intended to help professionals improve their readiness to address public health emergencies within their institutions and countries.

One Health and Global Health Security

The programme emphasises the relationship between human, animal and environmental health. This approach encourages professionals to consider interconnected risks when planning and implementing outbreak prevention and response measures.

Practical and Simulation Based Learning

Digital learning is combined with in person activities and simulation exercises. These methods help participants develop practical knowledge and consider how outbreak response strategies can be applied in real situations.

Leadership and Training

Participants are prepared to become effective facilitators, trainers and professional leaders. They are expected to share their learning with colleagues and support the development of institutional capacity.

Knowledge Exchange and Regional Cooperation

The fellowship encourages collaboration between professionals and institutions across the region. Participants can contribute to teaching resources, share context specific case studies and strengthen networks that support coordinated outbreak response.

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship is intended for public health and related professionals working in or originating from countries in sub Saharan Africa.

Applicants should meet the following stated requirements:

• Originate from or be employed in a country in sub Saharan Africa.

• Have at least two years of professional experience in public health, biomedical sciences or a related field.

• Hold a relevant academic qualification in public health, medicine, epidemiology, microbiology, biology or an allied discipline.

• Demonstrate a professional background relevant to public health preparedness, disease prevention or emergency response.

• Have an interest in strengthening public health capacity within their institution and country.

• Be prepared to apply the knowledge gained through the fellowship and share it with colleagues.

Applicants should consult the official programme information for any additional requirements concerning employment, nationality, language proficiency, availability or supporting documentation. The available announcement does not establish a specific age limit or provide a complete list of additional eligibility conditions.

Selection Criteria

The available announcement does not publish a complete formal scoring framework. Nevertheless, prospective applicants should ensure that their applications clearly demonstrate:

• Relevant academic qualifications and professional experience.

• A clear connection between their current work and public health preparedness or outbreak response.

• An understanding of the importance of the One Health approach and global health security.

• Motivation to strengthen public health capacity within their institution or country.

• An interest in training colleagues, sharing knowledge and supporting professional development.

These points are preparation guidance rather than a confirmed official scoring rubric. Applicants should follow any formal selection criteria published by the organisers.

Required Application Materials

The available announcement does not provide a complete official checklist of required documents. Applicants should check the application instructions before submitting their forms.

Depending on the official application requirements, candidates should be prepared to provide relevant information about their professional background and qualifications.

Potentially useful documents to prepare include:

• An updated curriculum vitae.

• Evidence of relevant academic qualifications.

• Details of professional experience in public health or a related discipline.

• A description of current responsibilities and relevant outbreak preparedness or response experience.

• A statement explaining professional motivation and intended use of the fellowship training, if requested.

These are suggested preparation materials and should not be treated as a confirmed mandatory document list. Applicants must rely on the official application instructions for the final requirements.

How to Apply

Interested public health professionals should complete the following steps:

1. Review the fellowship announcement. Read the programme description and confirm that your academic background, professional experience and location meet the eligibility requirements.
2. Check the official application instructions. Consult the programme organisers for the application form, submission procedure and any additional eligibility conditions.
3. Prepare your application materials. Gather the documents and professional information requested in the official application process.
4. Explain your motivation. Where requested, describe how the fellowship relates to your current work and how you intend to apply the training to strengthen public health preparedness and response.
5. Submit your application. Complete the official application process and ensure that all required information is provided before the deadline.
6. Apply before the closing date. The published deadline is 21 October 2026. Applicants should verify the applicable closing time and submission requirements with the organisers.