Frequently Asked Questions
What institutions are part of the Afya Bora Consortium?
The Afya Bora Consortium is a partnership of 8 academic health centers, four in Africa and four in the United States.
The four pairs are:
- Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, and Johns Hopkins University
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and the University of California, San Francisco
- University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana, and the University of Pennsylvania
- University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya, and the University of Washington
Does the applicant have to be involved with one of the eight institutions in the Consortium?
No, but the applicant must be a citizen of the USA, Kenya, Botswana, Tanzania, or Uganda.
What is the timeline for the application process?
- December 10, 2013— Application Deadline
Applications received prior to the deadline will be reviewed and applicants may be accepted on a rolling basis. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.
- Mid-March 2014– Notification of Acceptances
Accepted applicants will be notified.
- Late - June 2014 – New Trainee Orientation in Africa
New Trainee participants will be brought together for a 2-day orientation. Immediately following orientation are three 1 week course modules that will also be held in the same city.
Who is eligible to apply?
- Medical applicants with a M.D. or MBChB with a MMed, MPH or Masters degree in related field.
- Nursing applicants with a Masters degree in Nursing, Public Health or a related field (PhD preferred).
- Other Public Health professionals with a PhD in Public Health or a related field.
What type of funding is available in the program?
African trainees
- airfare (home-Botswana- attachment sites - Kenya - attachment site- Uganda - home)
- monthly stipend equivalent to $1500 per month
- evacuation insurance if stationed outside home country
- accommodations and per diem up if attending didactic sessions and meetings outside of home country
- reimbursement for visa cost
US Trainees
- existing fellowship stipend
- roundtrip airfare from home city- Africa
- airfare within Africa to attachment site placement and modules
- reimbursement for other selected fellowship-specific activities in Africa (i.e. travel to rural sites, visa, etc)
- support request for an NIH loan repayment up to $35,000 for one year (eligible applicants are limited to postdocs)
OR
- monthly stipend based on NRSA stipend levels for the current year
- stipend cap is at 2 years post-doctoral level
- roundtrip airfare from home city-Africa
- airfare within Africa to attachment site placement and modules
- per diem when attending didactic sessions and meetings
- housing allowance of up to $750 per month
- support request for an NIH loan repayment up to $35,000 for one year (eligible applicants are limited to postdocs)
- reimbursement for other selected fellowship-specific activities in Africa (i.e. travel to rural sites, visa, etc)
Does the applicant applying from a US institution have to be a US citizen or have a Green card?
Yes.
Do I apply for consideration for the program individually or must I have the support of my home institution?
All applications to the program must include a Nomination Form from the Dean or Senior Academic Administrative Officer or Director/Supervisor of the applicants’ home institution. In addition US applicants must provide all information on application form regarding funding during the fellowship period.
What factors will the Afya Bora Consortium take into consideration in the final decisions accepting applicants into the program?
Many factors are considered including leadership potential, professional training, work experience, and potential job placement after completion of the fellowship. Also, we try to balance the trainee group by the inclusion of both nurses and physicians.
How many fellowship positions are available?
There will be approximately 20 fellowship opportunities available. There will be slots for 16 African trainees and 4 US Trainees.
How long is the fellowship?
About 12 months, July – July
If I am unable to participate for the whole fellowship can I still apply?
No.
Will the inability to speak a foreign language be a problem for Fellows or will it adversely affect his/her prospects for selection?
Generally not. Most foreign sites are located in areas where English is predominantly spoken.
Is international experience required to apply?
No, however it is recommended.
I would like find out more information on possible attachment sites and projects that trainees might be assigned to. Where can I find more information on this?
Information on specific attachment site and projects will be discussed after your application is submitted. For general information about each site, click here or contact Angela Shelton at [email protected]
Upon my acceptance into the program, will I be assigned another mentor?
Yes. Each trainee will be assigned a primary mentor, who will aid in development of an appropriate attachment site project. In addition, each trainee will have a mentoring committee that will include an Attachment Site mentor in addition to the primary mentor.
Will trainees be covered under their current health insurance while on assignment abroad during the fellowship?
Fellows are responsible for their health insurance. If they are not covered by their government, institution, or fellowship programs, then they are responsible for purchasing private insurance. General health insurance is not covered for US or African fellows. Only evacuation insurance will be provided to US trainees and for African fellows when outside their home country.
Can I apply for Afya Bora Fellowship if I have a family (spouse, children, etc)?
Yes, persons with families are welcome to apply. However, if the fellow plans to bring their family with them to their site they are responsible for the associated costs (travel, insurance, housing, etc).
If I am interested, how do I start the application process?
See the application materials here. Also, you should notify Angela Shelton at [email protected].
