The University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy is now accepting applications for the 2026 Cohort of the International Program in Public Health Leadership (IPPHL). This fully funded, eight-month leadership program is designed for mid-career public health professionals across Africa who work with or within government health systems.
Application Deadline: August 5, 2025 at 11:59 PM GMT
Program Format: Hybrid (virtual + in-person in Africa)
Program Duration: February – September 2026
About the Program
IPPHL strengthens the policy and leadership capabilities of health professionals working at various levels of government. The program combines academic training, practical leadership coaching, and cross-country collaboration to address pressing public health challenges across the continent.
Since its launch in 2017, IPPHL has graduated 192 fellows from 33 African countries, equipping them to lead systems transformation within their ministries, agencies, and public health organizations.
The program is fully funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and delivered in collaboration with the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL).
Program Schedule Overview
1. Orientation
February 10–12, 2026 (Virtual)
Introductory live sessions with faculty, coaches, and peers.
2. Independent Policy Preparation
March 3–27, 2026 (Self-paced)
Preparation for the policy project and foundational concepts.
3. Policy Intensive
April 7 – May 21, 2026 (Virtual)
Live sessions twice weekly. Focus on policy analysis, implementation, and evidence use (5–7 hours/week commitment).
4. Leadership Immersion
June 10–27, 2026 (In-person, Africa — location TBD)
2.5 weeks of experiential learning, leadership development, and peer exchange.
5. Launch & Learn
July 6 – August 21, 2026 (Virtual + Independent)
Fellows apply learned frameworks to real workplace policy challenges. Three live check-in sessions.
6. Capstone Seminar
September 1–4, 2026 (In-person, Africa — location TBD)
Final presentations, reflections, and forward strategy sessions.
Who Should Apply?
The program is best suited for mid-career public health professionals who:
- Are citizens and residents of African countries
- Work in or with a Ministry of Health, or a government-affiliated health program
- Oversee the development and/or implementation of public health policies
- Supervise health teams or manage program performance
- Hold a degree in medicine, public health, or a related field
- Are fluent in English and able to fully engage in virtual and in-person activities
Application Requirements
Applicants must:
- Complete the online form with personal, educational, and employment details
- Answer 3 short essay questions (max 1500 characters each)
- Submit a Statement of Release (PDF) from their supervisor or department
- Submit a Letter of Recommendation (PDF) from their employer
- Demonstrate leadership ability, interest in policy reform, and a commitment to improving health systems in Africa
Note: The program will also include a 360-degree leadership assessment, coaching sessions, and ongoing advisor meetings for the policy project.
Benefits of the Program
- Fully funded travel, accommodation, visa, and program costs
- One-on-one executive leadership coaching through CCL
- In-depth policy and leadership training from Yale faculty and African experts
- Peer networking across multiple African countries and contexts
- Access to the global IPPHL network of alumni and mentors
Apply Now
The 2026 cohort application is open until August 5, 2025 (11:59 PM GMT).
Interested candidates should visit the IPPHL application portal to begin their submission.
Final Note
IPPHL is more than a leadership course — it’s a launchpad for transformational leaders in African health systems. If you’re passionate about policy, public health, and systems improvement, this program offers the tools and platform to drive meaningful impact in your country.
