Africa CDC Boosts Health Reporting Through New Journalism Fellowship
Empowering Journalists to Shape Continent’s Health Narrative
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has launched a specialized health journalism track within its esteemed African Union Media Fellowship. This initiative aims to equip journalists across the continent with the skills to produce impactful, evidence-based stories on public health security and development.
A New Focus on Public Health Storytelling
This new track, supported by the World Bank, is designed to enhance media capacity in reporting on critical health issues affecting Africa. Five journalists, representing each of Africa CDC’s Regional Coordinating Centres, will participate in a comprehensive 16-month program. This fellowship will foster a new generation of storytellers adept at unpacking complex health challenges with accuracy and empathy.
“At a time when Africa is navigating multiple health priorities, from rising non-communicable diseases to re-emerging outbreaks and persistent gaps in health workforce financing, we need a new generation of storytellers who can unpack these challenges with depth, accuracy and empathy.”
—Margaret Edwin, Director of Communication and Public Information at Africa CDC
The program will delve into vital public health topics. Fellows will explore lessons learned from past health emergencies like COVID-19, mpox, and Ebola to inform current preparedness strategies. They will also examine the role of Africa CDC and its partners in fortifying health systems, analyzing vaccine development and distribution equity, and highlighting the impact of digital tools and laboratory networks on disease response.
The fellowship offers extensive mentorship from leading health experts and access to exclusive resources, amplifying Africa’s health priorities on a global scale. Participants will join a wider continental network of media professionals through the broader AU Media Fellowship. This includes workshops, field visits, and editorial guidance, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.
In 2023, the World Health Organization reported that Sub-Saharan Africa faced an estimated 77% of the world’s malaria cases, underscoring the critical need for informed public health reporting.
Building a Healthier Future Through Media
The initiative emphasizes high-impact content aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063. This commitment ensures the program’s sustainability and its role as a powerful driver for development-focused storytelling across Africa. The fellowship receives support from organizations including the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the European Union Delegation to the African Union.
Applications are currently open for the inaugural cohort, with a closing date of August 14, 2025. Interested journalists can find more information and apply via https://aumf.au.int/application.
For media inquiries, please contact Margaret Edwin, Director of Communication and Public Information at Africa CDC, at EdwinM@africacdc.org.
