Africa CDC Health Journalism Fellowship – Strengthen Public Health Storytelling
Africa CDC Launches Health Journalism Fellowship to Amplify Continent’s Public Health Narrative
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – [Date of Publication] - The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has officially opened applications for its groundbreaking health Journalism Fellowship, a 16-month program designed to empower African journalists to report on critical public health issues with depth, accuracy, and impact.This initiative aims to bolster the continent’s capacity for robust public health storytelling, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.The fellowship, now accepting applications until August 14, 2025, is a pivotal component of the broader AU Media Fellowship programme. It seeks to equip journalists with the knowledge, resources, and networks necessary to cover complex health challenges, from building resilient and inclusive health systems to navigating the intricacies of vaccine progress and distribution.
Spotlight on Africa’s Health Priorities: Vaccine Development, Distribution, and Equity
A central focus of the fellowship will be to unpack the state of vaccine development, distribution, and equity across the African continent. This includes a dedicated spotlight on the crucial role of local manufacturing and the strengthening of regional supply chains. By fostering in-depth reporting in thes areas, the fellowship aims to shed light on Africa’s progress and challenges in achieving health security and self-sufficiency.
Journalists participating in the program will delve into how digital tools, advanced laboratory networks, and data-driven systems are revolutionizing disease detection, response mechanisms, and the cultivation of public trust in health initiatives. This forward-looking approach acknowledges the transformative power of technology and data in modern public health.
Mentorship and capacity Building for Health journalists
Over the 16-month duration, selected fellows will benefit from invaluable mentorship provided by leading health experts.This guidance will be complemented by access to exclusive resources designed to enhance their reporting skills and amplify Africa’s health priorities on a global stage.
Beyond specialized training, the health fellows will become integral members of a continental network of media professionals under the umbrella of the AU Media Fellowship. As part of the third cohort, they will engage in a series of workshops, field visits, and receive dedicated editorial guidance. A critically important component of the program includes a learning tour of key global institutions, coordinated in collaboration with the EU Delegation to the African Union and other strategic partners.
the AU media Fellowship is committed to producing high-impact content that aligns with AU objectives and achieves expanded outreach. This ensures the program’s sustainability, anchors it firmly within the continent’s development agenda, and positions it as a powerful driver for storytelling that supports Africa’s Agenda 2063.
The fellowship is generously supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the European Union Delegation to the african Union, alongside a broad coalition of African and international media, academic, and policy institutions. Through this health journalism track, Africa CDC is reinforcing the African Union’s commitment to amplifying African voices in shaping the continent’s health future.
For more facts and to apply, please visit: blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer nofollow”>https://aumf.au.int/application
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about Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is the primary public health agency of the African Union.It operates autonomously, providing support to member states in strengthening their health systems, improving disease surveillance, enhancing emergency response capabilities, and advancing disease control efforts across the continent. Learn more at: blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>http://www.africacdc.org and connect with us on blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>LinkedIn, blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>Twitter, blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>Facebook and blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>YouTube.
For more information and media inquiries:
Margaret Edwin
director of Dialog and public Information
Africa CDC
EdwinM@africacdc.org