Ghana
Fulbright-Fogarty Public Health Fellowship Award NEW
Accepted Degree Levels
|
Grant PeriodSummer StartGrant Length9 Months |
Award Type
Specialized Grant Types
- Science/Public Health
Award Profile
The Fulbright-Fogarty Fellowships in Public Health are offered through a partnership between the Fulbright Program and the Fogarty International Center of the U.S. National Institutes of Health. These awards were established to promote the expansion of research in public health and clinical research in resource-limited settings.
Fulbright-Fogarty Fellowships carry the same benefits as the traditional Fulbright Study/Research grants to the host country. The Fogarty International Center, NIH, will provide support to the research training site and may provide orientation for the fellows at the NIH.
For more details on Fulbright-Fogarty Fellowships and application instructions, please review the ‘Type of Awards’ page: https://us.fulbrightonline.org/applicants/types-of-awards/fulbright-fogarty-fellowships-in-public-health
Grant Length
Grant Period
9 Months
Orientation
As a condition of their grants, all grantees may be required to participate in a Pre-Departure Orientation during the summer of 2024.
In addition, grantees will be required to participate in a Pre-Departure Orientation with NIH in July.
An in-country orientation is required and is typically held the third week of August.
Candidate Profile
Pre-doctoral trainees:
Must be enrolled in an accredited doctoral-level program (MD, PhD, DDS, or comparable degree from an accredited institution) in public health, government, business, design, engineering, education, medicine, nutrition, law, pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and nursing. Eligible doctoral degrees include, but are not limited to: DMD, DC, DO, DVM, OD, DPM, ScD, EngD, DrPH, DNSc, DPT, PharmD, ND, DSW, PsyD, JD and Doctorate of Philosophy in Nursing.
Health-professional students who wish to interrupt their studies for a year or more to engage in full-time research training before completing their formal training programs are also eligible.”
By the start of the program year (July 2024), fellows must be an MD (and other professional degrees) student who has completed their 3rd year or a Ph.D. candidate who has completed their Master’s level requirements (i.e., post-qualifying exam).
Eligibility
Accepted Degree Levels
- Doctoral
Special Application Instructions
Select "Fulbright-Fogarty" for Award Type in the application.
All Fulbright-Fogarty applicants pursuing a placement in Ghana should select “Public Health” as the Field of Study in the Fulbright application.
Foreign Language Proficiency
Additional Information:
English is the official language in Ghana. Study of local languages (e.g., Twi, Fanti, Ga, Dagbani, etc.) prior to arrival and while in-country is encouraged to promote deeper engagement with the community. Field researchers may need to coordinate with Ghanaian partner institutions for assistance in specific communities.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
Letter required for independent study or research at deadline
Affiliation Name: Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), University of Ghana
Site Contacts/PIs:
Michael Wilson, PhD
Site Mentor
Professor of Parasitology, NMIMR
Ryan Borg
Program Manager
Yale School of Public Health
Areas of Focus:
- Emerging infectious diseases
- Neglected tropical diseases
- Opportunistic infections
- HIV
Summary of Site/Ongoing Research Projects:
The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), established in 1979 as a semi-autonomous institute of the University of Ghana, is the country’s leading biomedical research facility. It is committed to high-quality, cutting-edge research on national health priorities and training biomedical scientists and health researchers.
The Institute’s research portfolio is wide and varied, and it includes malaria, soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis, filariasis (lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis), diarrheal diseases, Buruli ulcer, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, poliomyelitis, sexually transmitted infections, micronutrients, infant and maternal mortality, viral hemorrhagic fevers, EPI Diseases, hemoglobinopathies (sickle cell disease etc.), plant medicine, drug discovery and environmental pollution. Examples of current and recent research projects include:
- Clinical outcomes and adverse effects of Dolutegravir based treatment regimens for persons living with HIV.
- Disclosure of HIV status to children and adolescents (Sankofa 2 study).
- Correlation between intracellular levels of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and suppression of HIV 1 and Hepatitis B infections.
Other features of this site include:
- The Parasitology Department within NMIMR: PCR and DNA sequencing, parasitological analyses of urine, stool and blood (including clinical chemistry), laboratory cultures of Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 strain and Leishmania species, fully equipped entomology laboratory and insectaries.
- Through collaboration with the Ghana Health Service, NMIMR maintains 10 active field research stations throughout the country. The technical staff have extensive experience conducting field studies on malaria, leishmania and helminth infections.
- The Institute houses the administrative buildings for the West African Centre for International Parasite Control (WACIPAC), the Lymphatic Filariasis Support Centre for Africa (LFSCA), and a Health Support Centre for HIV/AIDS counselling and training.
- Active collaborative research and training experiences through a variety of international partners, including GYPGH, University of Michigan, University of Denmark among others.
- GYPGH has sponsored 25 students, faculty and staff from Ghana to spend up to two months at Yale, where they participate in the annual Summer Research Institute and receive intensive mentorship at various Yale labs.
US Partner: Global Health Equity Scholars (Yale University)
Site name: University of Ghana
U.S. Partner: Harvard University and University of New Mexico.
Summary of Site
In collaboration with Fogarty International Center, the consortium of Harvard University, Boston University, Northwestern University and the University of New Mexico (HBNU) is seeking to host a Fulbright – Fogarty fellow at the consortium’s site in Ghana: University of Ghana.
The University of Ghana (UG) was founded as the University College of the Gold Coast by Ordinance on August 11, 1948 for the purpose of providing and promoting university education, learning and research. The vision of the university is to become a world class research-intensive university with the mission of creating an enabling environment that makes University of Ghana increasingly relevant to national and global development through cutting-edge research as well as high quality teaching and learning.
UG is administered through a central administration which includes a collegiate system comprising the following colleges and a School of Graduate Studies:
- College of Basic and Applied Sciences
- College of Education
- College of Health Sciences
- College of Humanities
The University has several research institutions and centres for learning and research, within the colleges. Those that involved in health-related research include:
College of Basic and Applied Sciences
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP)
- Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies
- Biotechnology Research Centre
- Center for Climate Change and Sustainability Studies(C3SS)
College of Health Sciences
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research
- Centre for Tropical, Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics
- West African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC)
College of Humanities
- Regional Institute for Population Studies
- Institute for Statistical, Social and Economic Research
- Centre for Urban Management Studies
- Centre for Ageing Studies
Additionally, to promote, coordinate, and facilitate research activities within the university, the Office of Research, Innovation and Development (ORID) was established in 2010. ORID provides research administration and grant management services to researchers. It has the specific responsibility of developing and implementing the University’s research policy, ensuring effective distribution and efficient use of research funds and representing the interests of the University in contractual relationships, grant applications and reporting administering contract research.
Site Director:
Gordon Awandare, Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana
Email: gawandare@ug.edu.gh
Examples of Current HBNU Fogarty Fellowship Research Projects:
Structural and Biophysical Characterization of HIV-2 Reverse Transcriptase (RT)-DNA and Inhibitor Complexes
Trainee: Jerry Joe Harrison
Fellowship Year: 2022-2023
Laboratory-based Reflexive Algorithm for Identification of Falciparum and Nonfalciparum-species and its Clinical Utility in the Diagnosis of Malaria in Southern Ghana
Trainee: Kwabena Sarpong
Fellowship Year: 2022-2023
Examining Sickle Cell Disease and Prenatal Care Among Black Women and Teen Girls Across Ghana, West Africa: A Mixed-Methods Approach
Trainee: Shameka Thomas
Fellowship Year: 2022-2023
Nurses’ Attitudes Towards Bereavement Support and its Effect on Families with Perinatal Loss in Ghana
Trainee: Chris Guure
Fellowship Year: 2022-2023
Other Research Areas of Interest:
- Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition
- Adolescent Health
- Infectious Disease
Project Contacts:
- Prof. Wafaie Fawzi: mina@hsph.harvard.edu
Professor of Global Health, Nutrition, and Epidemiology; Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard Chan School of Public Health
- Kemji Nwokogba: nwokogba@hsph.harvard.edu
When emailing project contacts, please include both contacts and attach a current CV and a concise statement (less than 500 words) about your interest in the program (especially your primary research interest).
Fulbright Fogarty Fellows at University of Ghana will work closely with the HBNU consortium. For more information about the consortium please visit this website: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/global-health-research-partnership/
Affiliation: University of Ghana (UG)
U.S. Partner: GloCal Health Fellowship Consortium (GloCal) Contact: Craig Cohen, Craig.Cohen@ucsf.edu
For nearly 30 years, the University of Ghana has collaborated with UC Davis in research and capacity building: many key studies in maternal and child nutrition have been completed or are underway in Ghana, and several Ghanaians have received their Ph.D. from UC Davis and have returned to UG or continued to work in the international arena. UCSF has also recently started some collaborative projects in Ghana on person-centered maternity care and COVID-19 effects on health care workers.
UG faculty's research areas include infectious and non-communicable diseases, mental health, climate change, maternal and child health and nutrition, nutrition and child development, and blood safety and availability. Elements that make UG a strong partner include:
- Office of Research, Innovation and Development (ORID) which promotes, coordinates, and facilitates research activities, as well as manages external research funds.
- International Programs Office (IPO) coordinates and promotes relations with international students and scholars. It has a variety of services, including assistance with accommodation, immigration issues, and local culture.
UG also collaborates with several other research institutions, such as the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research; Centre for Tropical, Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics; the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens; the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement; and the West African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC).
Affiliation: Suntresu Government Hospital, Ghana Health Service (Kumasi, Ghana)
http://www.ghanahealthservice.org/
http://ghanahospitals.org/regions/fdetails.php?id=95&r=ashanti
US partner: University of Michigan
Contact: Dr. Cheryl A. Moyer camoyer@umich.edu
Dr. Ashura Bakari abakari@yahoo.com
Eligibility: Post-third year medical school; Post graduation from medical school; Ph.D. students in health sciences (post-Master’s-level)
Background:
While child mortality (deaths under age 5) have dropped significantly in recent years, neonatal mortality (deaths within the first 28 days after birth) remains a challenge in much of sub-Saharan Africa. Neonatal deaths make up nearly half of all under 5 childhood mortality, and deaths within the first 7 days of life make up half of all neonatal deaths. Thus, the first few days after delivery are critical to improving neonatal outcomes. This long-standing collaboration takes place at a medium-sized government hospital that refers to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi.
Previous Project Descriptions:
- Understanding late identification of neonatal jaundice
- Epidemiology and surveillance of neonatal birth asphyxia
- Identifying maternal and neonatal near-misses
- Community-based knowledge and attitudes toward newborn mortality
Affiliation: Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
US partner: University of Michigan
Contact: Dr. Cheryl A. Moyer camoyer@umich.edu
Dr. Samuel Oppong wak72@yahoo.com
Eligibility: Post-third year medical school; Post graduation from medical school; Ph.D. students in health sciences (post-Master’s-level)
Background:
Maternal mortality and morbidity remain enormous challenges in much of sub-Saharan Africa. As maternal mortality slowly declines, measuring maternal morbidity is becoming an increasingly important metric for not only overall maternal health but also healthcare quality. This longterm collaboration involves partners at the University of Michigan and at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana, and has addressed many facets of pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the early post-partum period.
Previous Project Descriptions:
- Assessment of maternal near-misses
- Use of misoprostol for self-induced abortions
- Attitudes toward abortion and family planning
- Provider understanding of near-misses
Future Potential Project Topics:
- Non-communicable diseases during pregnancy
- Sickle-cell in pregnancy
- Gestational diabetes
Affiliation: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Kumasi)
US partner: University of Washington (Departments of Surgery and Global Health)
Contact: Dr. Barclay Stewart (barclays@uw.edu)
Eligibility: Masters students; medical students or post-graduation from medical school; doctoral students and post-doctoral students in health sciences, epidemiology, biostatistics, and other fields
Background:
The University of Washington has a long-standing research relationship with Kwame University of Science, Technology and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, and other organizations in Ghana (e.g., National Ambulance Service, Buildings and Roads Research Institute, National Road Safety Authority). Numerous Ghanaian and American trainees have completed 1-year global health fellowships and performed impactful research related to injury and burn prevention, trauma and burn care, road safety, and others. Prior trainees have obtained independent funding from the US National Institutes of Health, US Department of Defense and State Department, and other funders. University of Washington has strong resources to support research fellows through an extensive network of collaborators across Ghana committed to advancing injury prevention and control.
Project descriptions:
- Injury prevention
- Epidemiology of surgical conditions, injuries and burns
- Trauma system models
- Cookstove safety
- Resuscitation
- Nutrition after injury
Affiliation: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
U.S. Partner: UJMT Launching Future Leaders in Global Health (LAUNCH)
The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (KNUST) was established in 1952 and is situated in Kumasi, Ghana. The core mandate of the College of Health Sciences is to train medical doctors, allied health workers and biomedical scientists for Ghana.
Fellows would be expected to work with U.S. and Ghanian based mentor groups to develop an independent research project that could be integrated into one of the following projects or in a new area of interest:
- NCDs
- Stroke prevention and treatment
- Hypertension
Site contact: Fred Stephen Sarfo – stephensarfo78@gmail.com
Affiliation: Noguchi Memorial Institute
U.S. Partner: UJMT Launching Future Leaders in Global Health (LAUNCH)
The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), established in 1979 as a semi-autonomous institute of the University of Ghana, is the country’s leading biomedical research facility. The Institute spearheads biomedical research in Ghana on diseases of public health importance in the country and the African region. NMIMR focuses primarily on research into infectious diseases, including malaria, soil transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis, filariasis lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, buruli ulcer, poliomyelitis, sexually transmitted infections, viral hemorrhagic fevers, diarrheal diseases, and vaccine-preventable diseases.
Fellows would be expected to work with U.S. and Ghanian based mentor groups to develop an independent research project that could be integrated into one of the following projects or in a new area of interest:
- Vector-borne diseases, including malaria, lymphatic filariasis, guinea worm, and avian influenza
- NCDs, including diabetes mellitus and CVD
- Micronutrients
- Infant and maternal mortality
- Sickle cell disease
- Allergies and environmental pollution
- HIV/AIDS and TB
Site Contact: Michael Wilson – MWilson@noguchi.ug.edu.gh
Affiliation: University of Ghana
U.S. Partner: UJMT Launching Future Leaders in Global Health (LAUNCH)
The University of Ghana Medical School within the College of Health Sciences trains an array of health professionals. All the institutions of the College undertake their clinical training and research in the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Historically the hospital, established in 1923, was meant primarily for malaria treatment and management. It gained teaching hospital status in 1962, when the University of Ghana Medical School was established for the training of medical doctors. As the leading tertiary health facility in Ghana, the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has a long-standing history of teaching and medical research.
Fellows would be expected to work with U.S. and Ghanian based mentor groups to develop an independent research project that could be integrated into one of the following projects or in a new area of interest:
- HIV
- Cancer
- Malaria
Site contact: Anthony Andrew Adjei – aaadjei@ug.edu.gh