What institutions are part of the Afya Bora Consortium?

The Afya Bora Consortium is a partnership of 9 academic health centers, five in Africa and four in the United States

• Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
• Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
• University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
• University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
• University of Buea, Cameroon
• University of Washington
• Johns Hopkins University
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of California, San Francisco

Does the applicant have to be involved with one of the nine institutions in the Consortium?

No, but the applicant must be a citizen of Botswana, Cameroon, Kenya Tanzania, Uganda or the USA.

What organizations does the Afya Bora Consortium collaborate with?

They collaborate with local ministries of health, CDC regional offices, local non-governmental organizations, research institutes and other universities. These organizations are potential attachment sites for the fellows, organizations with which the fellows will work on their problems to learn new skills and leadership.

What is the timeline for the application process?

1. December - Application Due
   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.
2. March - Notification of Acceptance
   Accepted applicants will be notified.
3. Late June – 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 country.

Who is eligible to apply?

1. Citizens of US, Cameroon, Kenya, Botswana, Uganda, or Tanzania, who also
2. Meet ONE of the following education requirements:
   1. Medical applicants with a M.D. or MBChB with a MMed, MPH or Masters degree in related field.
   2. Nursing applicants with a Masters degree in Nursing, Public Health or a related field (PhD or DNP preferred).
   3. 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
• Housing allowance of up to $750 per month if placed outside of home country
• Reimbursement for other selected fellowship-specific activities in Africa (i.e. travel to rural sites, visa, etc)

US Trainees

• monthly stipend based on NRSA NIH stipend levels
  • 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 (only postdoctoral applicants are eligible to apply)
• 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 the 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 for 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, June 2016 – July 2017

If I am unable to participate for the whole fellowship can I still apply?

No.

What if I postpone my fellowship 6 months after? Am I allowed to complete the remaining part with the next group of mentees?

No, the Fellowship must be completed within the allotted 12 month period and there is no provision for one to re-enter the program.

Can I use my assignments during the fellowship as part of a fulfillment to a degree program?

It may be possible under special circumstances. This will be at the discretion of the institution granting your degree. It is also required that the Afya Bora Fellowship is adequately acknowledged.

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 for US applicants?

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, visit our website at afyaboraconsortium.org. For information on different attachment sites please contact Angela Shelton at [email protected]

Upon my acceptance into the program, will I be assigned a 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 African fellows. Only evacuation insurance will be provided to all fellows and 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).

Can I maintain a part-time position with my present employer?

African trainees

• yes, you can devote up to 30% effort to your present position, but you must be sure that you have adequate time to fulfill your obligations to the Afya Bora Fellowship

US trainees

• no, you are expected to devote 100% effort to the Afya Bora Fellowship

Can I select my present site of employment as my attachment site?

African trainees

• yes, but this is strongly discouraged, because routines at your present employer may compromise achievements of the fellowship goals. The purpose of the fellowship is to expand your experience working in complex organizations. However, under special permission from the Afya Bora Working Group leadership, you may allowed to devote up to 30% effort to your present position.

US trainees

• no

If I am interested, how do I start the application process?

You can use the application on the website and notify the Program Manager at [email protected].