The Africa Epidemic Services Epidemiology Track 2026 is a two-year, full-time applied epidemiology training programme developed by Africa CDC. It prepares mid-level public health professionals to prevent, detect, control and respond to disease threats through science, policy and data-driven interventions. Applications close on 26 August 2026.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: African Epidemic Services – Epidemiology Track
Category: Applied epidemiology training programme
Host: Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
Training Location: Addis Ababa and an African Union Member State host site
Format: Full-time, competency-based training
Duration: Two years
Programme Start: October 2026
Application Deadline: 26 August 2026
Eligible Applicants: Citizens of African Union Member States under the age of 35
About the Africa Epidemic Services Epidemiology Track
The African Epidemic Service is a continental programme developed by Africa CDC to strengthen public health institutions across Africa. It focuses on building the capacity of professionals responsible for managing disease threats and outbreaks.
The wider African Epidemic Service has three tracks:
• Epidemiology
• Laboratory Leadership Fellowship
• Public Health Informatics
The Epidemiology Track aims to strengthen disease prevention and response capacity across African Union Member States.
Programme Structure and Training Format
The programme combines classroom-based instruction with extended applied training.
Participants complete:
✓ Three months of in-person didactic training in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
✓ Twenty-one months of applied training at a site hosted by an African Union Member State
✓ Competency-based learning focused on practical public health work
✓ Support from an expert supervisor or mentor throughout the programme
Fellows participate in experiential Core Activities of Learning. These activities include data analysis, surveillance-system evaluation and outbreak investigation.
Costs and Support Covered by Africa CDC
Africa CDC provides the learning and development resources required for the fellowship. It also covers costs associated with participation.
Confirmed support includes:
✓ Learning and development materials
✓ Travel-related costs
✓ Stipends
✓ Hardware
✓ Software
✓ Health insurance
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Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the programme’s citizenship, age, employment, education, professional experience and language conditions.
Candidates must:
• Be a citizen of an African Union Member State
• Be under the age of 35
• Be employed in an African country when applying
• Obtain permission from their employing government institution to attend the two-year programme
• Have a guarantee that they can return to their employment after training
• Hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited university in a One Health or related field
• Have completed coursework in epidemiology or quantitative research methods and biostatistics
• Have at least three years of recent full-time postgraduate public health experience in an African country
• Be able to prepare and understand technical medical and epidemiological communication materials
• Be proficient in at least one official African Union language
Relevant academic fields may include human medicine, nursing, veterinary medicine, environmental sciences, public health and related disciplines. Applicants with other doctoral-level training may also qualify.
The official African Union languages listed for this programme are English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish and Kiswahili. Knowledge of an additional AU official language is considered an asset.
Applicants Who Are Not Eligible
Advanced Field Epidemiology Training Program fellows and graduates are not eligible to apply for the Africa Epidemic Services Epidemiology Track.
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Required Application Documents
Applicants must complete the official online application and upload all required supporting documents.
A complete application must include:
• A national passport issued by an African Union Member State
• An official letter of support from a government institution
• Confirmation of permission to attend the two-year programme
• Confirmation of the right to return to employment after training
• Recommendation letters from two reputable professional referees
• An official degree certificate
• Academic transcripts for the bachelor’s or master’s degree
• A brief curriculum vitae prepared using the mandatory African Union template
• A motivation statement of no more than 500 words
• Evidence of additional relevant qualifications, when available
The motivation statement should explain why the applicant is a suitable candidate and how the training could affect their country.
Mandatory African Union CV Template
Candidates must prepare their curriculum vitae using the African Union CV template. The official vacancy page states that use of this template is mandatory.
Applicants should download the relevant English or French version, complete it and upload it with the remaining application documents.
Employer Support Requirement
Applicants must be employed in an African country at the time of application. Their employing government institution must officially approve their participation.
The support letter must confirm:
• Permission to attend the complete two-year training programme
• The applicant’s right to return to their employment after completing the programme
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How to Submit an Application
All applications must be submitted through the official African Union online recruitment portal.
Applicants should:
• Confirm that they meet every eligibility requirement
• Download and complete the mandatory African Union CV template
• Obtain the official employer-support letter
• Request recommendation letters from two professional referees
• Prepare the degree certificate and academic transcripts
• Write the motivation statement within the 500-word limit
• Complete the online application form
• Upload all required supporting documents
• Submit the complete application by 26 August 2026
Incomplete applications will not be considered. The programme will prioritise inclusivity, gender equity and representation from across the continent.
Key Dates
• Vacancy posted: 15 July 2026
• Application deadline: 26 August 2026
• Programme start date: October 2026
• Programme duration: Two years
Apply Here
Submit your application through the official application portal below.
Apply for the African Epidemic Services – Epidemiology Track
