About the opportunity
The Fellowship in Outbreak Readiness for Global Health Protection (FOR-GHP) is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Health under the Global Health Protection Programme (GHPP). It uses a multiplier training-of-trainers approach to strengthen public health structures and emergency preparedness in sub-Saharan Africa. The programme spans 1.5 years and combines three 1-week in-person workshops (held in Hamburg, Accra, and Kampala), distance-based learning phases to develop and implement teaching case studies, and self-study eLearning modules. Successful fellows receive a certificate and 10 ECTS points from the University of Basel.
Funding and benefits
- No tuition fees charged for participation
- Coverage of economy-class flights, visa fees, and accommodation for the three workshops
- Daily meals provided during workshops
- Award of a certificate and 10 ECTS credit points from the University of Basel upon successful completion
Who can apply?
- Origin and current employment in the sub-Saharan Africa region
- At least two years of professional experience in the public health or biomedical sector, preferably in infectious disease management, prevention, and control
- A degree or proficiency in Public Health, Medicine, Epidemiology, Microbiology, Biology, or allied health sciences disciplines
- Advanced proficiency in English (proven via TOEFL Paper 550, Computer 213, Internet 79-80, IELTS 6.0, native speaker, or English-medium higher education)
- Availability of a computer with a stable internet connection, functioning audio, and microphone for virtual activities
Required documents
- Completed online application form
- Motivation letter in English (PDF format)
- Endorsement document from the current employer using the provided template, confirming work release for workshops and support for implementing teaching case studies
- Letter of recommendation from at least one current and contactable reference (not older than three years) with email and phone contact information
- Proof of English language proficiency
When to apply
- Application deadline: 21st October 2026 at midnight CET
- Admission to first seven eLearning modules: December 2026
- eLearning modules graded selection period: 1st December 2026 – 1st January 2027
- One-to-one Zoom selection interviews: January 2027
- First workshop in Hamburg, Germany: 12th – 17th April 2027
- Second workshop in Accra, Ghana: 11th – 15th October 2027
- Third workshop in Kampala, Uganda: 3rd – 7th July 2028
How to apply
- Submit the electronic online application form along with required documents by 21st October 2026
- Upon selection by the steering board, complete the first seven eLearning modules and pre-qualification test between 1st December 2026 and 1st January 2027
- Participate in a one-to-one selection interview via Zoom in January 2027 if invited
- Sign a learning contract upon final selection to complete admission to the fellowship
Additional information
- Applicants are recommended to book a visa appointment at the German embassy for the first workshop already in December 2026 regardless of the final application outcome due to potential processing delays.
- No daily allowances (per diems) will be paid during the workshops.
- Participants are expected to invest in purchasing additional air time if necessary for virtual activities.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Public health professionals and biomedical experts based in sub-Saharan Africa who want to build advanced competencies in outbreak management and One Health.
- Mid-career practitioners aiming to act as trainers, multipliers, and leaders within their home institutions.
- Individuals who can secure formal employer commitment and time release for three international workshops and ongoing coursework over a 1.5-year period.
What should you think carefully about?
- Requires maintaining regular professional responsibilities while completing demanding distance-learning phases, eLearning modules, and practical case study implementations.
- No daily allowances (per diems) are provided during the workshops, meaning personal incidental expenses must be managed independently.
- Visa acquisition for travel to Germany requires early planning, and applicants are advised to initiate appointments before knowing final selection results.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship serves professionals looking to combine applied outbreak response training with formal academic recognition (10 ECTS points) while remaining embedded in their home institutions. It is well-suited for individuals seeking to bridge practical field epidemiology with institutional leadership and curriculum development.
Our take
Public health practitioners and biomedical professionals in sub-Saharan Africa with institutional backing should seriously consider applying before the October 21, 2026 deadline. It is less suitable for applicants unable to secure employer release or those lacking reliable computer and internet access for virtual components.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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