FOR-GHP
FOR-GHP Fellowship
Outbreak Readiness for Global Health Protection
About the FOR-GHP Fellowship Programme
The "Fellowship in Outbreak Readiness for Global Health Protection" (FOR-GHP) is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Health within the framework of the Global Health Protection Programme (GHPP). FOR-GHP uses a multiplier approach to enhance health emergency preparedness, response and resilience among public health structures across sub-Saharan Africa.
Natural and intentional disease outbreaks pose major risks. Effective outbreak management and fulfilling International Health Regulations require a skilled, well-trained workforce. Innovative, sustainable training initiatives are needed to strengthen competency and capacity.
FOR-GHP leverages a seasoned consortium (Africa Field Epidemiology Network, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Robert Koch Institute, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute) and validated blended learning to empower local experts who act as multipliers for regional impact.
The objectives are to:
- Strengthen fellows' competencies in outbreak management, focusing on One Health and global health security, using digital and in-person methods including simulations
- Train experts as facilitators, multipliers and leaders in their institutions and countries to maximize local impact
- Facilitate capacity strengthening within a regional network promoting knowledge exchange and coordinated responses
- Foster sustainability through an alumni network supporting collaboration, mentorship, and peer learning
FOR-GHP Consortium
The FOR-GHP training programme
The FOR-GHP programme training structure is based on a tried-and-tested blended-learning training-of-trainers (ToT) approach (Figure 1), and involves three in-person workshops one in Hamburg / Germany, one in Accra / Ghana, and a final one in Kampala / Uganda. This will be complemented with structured e-learning modules, and self-study phases.

Fig. 1 FOR-GHP Training Structure
Requirements:
- The FOR-GHP programme aims to strengthen public health structures across the region of sub-Saharan Africa. We are therefore looking for applicants with an origin in this region.
- Professional experience of at least two years in either the public health or medical sector, preferably with engagement in the management, prevention, and control of infectious diseases
- A degree or proficiency in at least one of the following fields:
- Public Health,
- Medicine,
- Epidemiology,
- Microbiology,
- Biology,
- Equivalent life science disciplines.
- An endorsement document of the current employer confirming a minimum of a one-year contract duration following completion of the programme is required. This endorsement should include an assurance that the FOR-GHP fellow will be released from work for the three workshops.
- Advanced proficiency in English is essential for course participation and learning success. Accepted proofs of language proficiency are: TOEFL Paper 550, TOEFL Computer 213, TOEFL Internet 79–80, IELTS 6.0, native speaker, or completed higher education in English (with written proof). We reserve the right to conduct telephone / online interviews.
- Elements of the programme will take place virtually, therefore the availability of a computer with a stable internet connection (at least 10 Mbit/s download; 3Mbit/s upload) and functioning audio and microphone is required.
The fellowship budget covers economy-class flights, visa fees, and accommodation. Daily meals are provided; no daily allowances (per diems) will be paid.
All gender identities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Only electronic applications will be accepted. Please do not send hardcopy applications by mail. Incomplete applications will NOT be considered.
Selection procedure:
As spaces are limited, a two-stage selection procedure will be applied:
- The steering board of the programme will select the applicants to be admitted to the first set of eLearning modules
- After the completion of these modules, fellows will be selected based on their performance and background characteristics (e.g., country of origin, gender) to allow for diversity and balance. They are then admitted to the full programme.
The call for the FOR-GHP fellowship applications is expected to open in the second half of 2026.
FOR-GHP is supported by:
Contact us
FOR-GHP
c/o BNITM
Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 74
20359 Hamburg
Germany
Tel: +49(0)40 285380 -243
email: forghp@bnitm.de