Africa CDC Opens Applications for the Fully Funded African Epidemic Services Fellowship 2026

Africa CDC Opens Applications for the Fully Funded African Epidemic Services Fellowship 2026



If your career goal is to become an epidemiologist, outbreak investigator, surveillance specialist, or public health leader, this may be one of the most valuable opportunities available in Africa this year.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has officially opened applications for the African Epidemic Services (AES) Epidemiology Track Fellowship 2026-2028, a fully funded two-year professional training programme designed to strengthen Africa’s public health workforce.

The programme combines classroom instruction, field epidemiology, mentorship, and real-world outbreak response experience across African Union Member States.

For young public health professionals who want to build careers in disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, and health security, this fellowship deserves serious consideration.


What is the Africa CDC African Epidemic Services Fellowship?

The African Epidemic Services (AES) Fellowship is Africa CDC’s flagship workforce development programme.

The Epidemiology Track equips fellows with the practical skills needed to investigate outbreaks, analyze surveillance data, support Ministries of Health, and strengthen national disease control systems.

Successful applicants receive advanced training while working alongside experienced epidemiologists and public health experts across Africa.


Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows receive comprehensive financial support throughout the programme, including:

  • Full programme funding
  • Monthly stipend
  • International travel support
  • Accommodation support
  • Health insurance
  • Training materials
  • Computer hardware and software required for learning
  • Professional mentorship
  • Practical field placements in African Union Member States

The programme lasts approximately 24 months, including:

  • Three months of intensive classroom training in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  • Twenty-one months of supervised field epidemiology training in an assigned host country  


Who Can Apply?

Applicants should generally meet the following requirements:

  • Be a citizen of an African Union Member State
  • Hold at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as:
    • Public Health
    • Epidemiology
    • Medicine
    • Nursing
    • Biomedical Sciences
    • Laboratory Sciences
    • Veterinary Medicine
    • Statistics
    • Environmental Health
  • Be employed in an African country
  • Obtain written permission from their employer to participate in the programme
  • Demonstrate strong interest in epidemiology and public health emergency response
  • Be proficient in at least one African Union official language

Applicants should carefully review the official eligibility requirements before applying.  


Important Dates

Application Opens: Now Open

Application Deadline: 26 August 2026

Programme Start: November 2026  


How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the official African Union recruitment portal.

Official application page:

https://jobs.au.int/job/Africa-Epidemic-Services-Public-Health-Informatics-track-%28Africa-CDC%29/3039-en_US/

Africa CDC programme information:

https://africacdc.org/


Why This Fellowship Matters

Africa continues to face emerging infectious diseases, climate-related health threats, and increasing demands for stronger disease surveillance systems.

Skilled epidemiologists are essential for protecting communities and improving health security.

The Africa CDC AES Fellowship gives participants the opportunity to gain practical experience while contributing directly to strengthening public health systems across the continent.

For many fellows, it also becomes a stepping stone toward leadership positions within Ministries of Health, National Public Health Institutes, international organizations, and research institutions.


Final Thoughts

High-quality fully funded public health fellowships are highly competitive, but opportunities like this are worth the effort.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, begin preparing your application early. Gather your supporting documents, request recommendation letters in advance, and carefully review every requirement before submission.

The deadline is 26 August 2026, leaving limited time to submit a complete application.


Author

Joseph Kofi Arhin II

Founder, NextStep Africa

Helping African students and public health professionals discover opportunities that accelerate careers.


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