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, or Uganda.

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?

• January 2019 – Application opens
• April 1, 2019 – Application due
• May-July, 2019 – Interviews held
• July 2019 – Notification of Acceptance
• November 2019 – New Trainee Orientation in Africa
  • Three-day orientation followed by three one-week modules.

Who is eligible to apply?

1. Citizens of Kenya, Botswana, Cameroon, 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 Master's degree in related field.
   2. Nursing applicants with a Master's 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?

• Airfare (home—orientation/in-person modules—attachment site—in-person modules—attachment site—in-person modules—home).
• Monthly stipend equivalent to $300 per month.
• Accommodation and per diem if attending in-person modules and meetings outside of home country.

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 letter of recommendation from the Dean or Senior Academic Administrative Officer or Director/Supervisor of the applicants’ home institution.

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 25 fellowship opportunities available.

How long is the fellowship?

About 12 months, November 2019 – October 2020.

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.

I would like find out more information on possible attachment sites and projects. Where can I find more information on this?

Information on specific attachment sites is available on this website under Program Description – Attachment Sites. For information on different attachment sites, please contact the Program Manager 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.

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?

Yes, you can maintain a part-time position with your present employer, but you must be sure that you have adequate time to fulfill your obligations to the Afya Bora Fellowship.

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

Yes, but this is 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.

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].