In response to a critical shortage of public health researchers in Africa, the Africa Research, Implementation Science, and Education (ARISE) Network, in partnership with Harvard Chan School, has launched a major initiative to expand the continent's public health workforce. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the urgent need for more qualified public health professionals, prompting the launch of this doctoral training program.
The ARISE Network, which includes the Africa Academy for Public Health (AAPH) and universities from 10 African countries, aims to bolster doctoral training in public health. Partner countries include Botswana, Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Senegal, Rwanda, and Burkina Faso.
A recent assessment by ARISE, in collaboration with the Future of Health and Economic Resiliency in Africa Commission, co-chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, and former Senegalese Health Minister, Awa Coll-Seck, highlighted key areas for improvement in public health education. Published in *Lancet Public Health* in May 2024, the report offered six key recommendations, such as expanding competency-based education and standardizing accreditation across African universities.
ARISE's new doctoral program aligns with these recommendations, focusing on building robust public health research capacity across its partner institutions. By pooling expertise within the ARISE network, the program aims to strengthen Africa's public health systems while allowing universities to retain control over their degree offerings.
Wafaie Fawzi, leader of ARISE and Richard Saltonstall Professor of Population Sciences at Harvard Chan School, emphasized the initiative's importance: "This collaborative effort offers a vital opportunity to address the public health workforce shortage in Africa. By expanding education and expertise across our network, we can empower the next generation of African researchers and practitioners."
Since its founding, ARISE has trained over 350 African scientists and led various research training programs on issues such as data science, infectious diseases, nutrition, and HIV implementation science. It has also made significant contributions to adolescent health, including hosting the first Conference on Adolescent Health in sub-Saharan Africa in 2024.
The new doctoral initiative marks a significant step in tackling Africa's public health challenges and enhancing the continent's resilience against future global health crises.
Article by Jed Mwangi
Photo/Google
Comment