Ghana
Fulbright-Fogarty Public Health Fellowship Award
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 2025.
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).
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Ghana has many educational and cultural sites throughout the country and Fulbrighters are encouraged to travel throughout the country during their stay.
Some Fulbrighters decide to buy or lease a car for ease of transportation, but transportation apps like Uber, Bolt, and Yango are often utilized in major cities. There are also car rental or travel companies that can provide a driver with the vehicle, which is great for local trips or hosting visiting guests.
Getting involved in community, departmental activities and mentorship are great ways to give back and remain connected while in-country. Fulbright U.S. Scholars are encouraged by the U.S. Embassy to give talks to students seeking to study in the United States working with EducationUSA Centers and share about American culture and history with the American Spaces team. These are great opportunities to share your professional expertise and American culture in Ghana.
Eligibility
Degree Level of Applicant
- 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
Applicants are required to obtain a letter of support from the site contact.
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).
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
One-Time Allowances
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
- Excess baggage fees
- Registration/Permitting fees
- Research/Materials allowance
- Settling in allowance
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Dependents
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) - GHES
U.S. University Consortia: GHES
Summary of Site
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.
Through collaboration with the Ghana Health Service, NMIMR maintains 10 active field research stations throughout the country. Staff have extensive experience conducting field studies on malaria, leishmania, and helminth infections.
The Parasitology Department within NMIMR is a fully equipped entomology laboratory with insectaries that does PCR and DNA sequencing, parasitological analyses of urine, stool and blood (including clinical chemistry), and laboratory cultures of Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 strain and Leishmania species. In addition, the Institute houses the administrative buildings for the West African Centre for International Parasite Control, the Lymphatic Filariasis Support Centre for Africa, and the Health Support Centre for HIV/AIDS Counseling and Training.
Primary Contacts
- Michael Wilson, PhD, mwilson@noguchi.ug.edu.gh, Professor of Parasitology, NMIMR (Contact for letter of affiliation)
- Ryan Borg, ryan.borg@yale.edu, Global Health Equity Scholars Program Manager, Yale University
Areas of Focus
- HIV
- Emerging infectious diseases
- Neglected tropical diseases
- Opportunistic infections
Sample Research Projects
- Clinical outcomes and adverse effects of Dolutegravir based treatment regimens for persons living with HIV.
- Disclosure of HIV status to children and adolescents.
- Correlation between intracellular levels of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and suppression of HIV 1 and Hepatitis B infections.
Language Requirement
None
University of Ghana - GLOCAL
U.S. University Consortia: GLOCAL
Summary of Site
For over 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).
Primary Contacts
- Dr. Seth Adu-Afarwuah, GloCal UG Site PI, sadu-afarwuah@ug.edu.gh (contact for letter of affiliation)
- Dr. Craig Cohen, GloCal UCSF PI, craig.cohen@ucsf.edu (additional contact)
Areas of Focus
- Infectious and non-communicable diseases
- Mental health
- Climate change
- Maternal and child health
- Nutrition
- Blood safety and availability
Language Requirement
None
University of Ghana - HBNU
U.S. University Consortia: HBNU
Summary of Site
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.
Harvard University and the University of New Mexico have worked in partnership with the University of Ghana for many years to conduct important research and train early-career researchers. Research collaborations have addressed a variety of basic science, clinical research, and implementation science topics, including projects to examine strategies for vector control, management of pediatric sepsis, sick cell care, amongst others. HBNU is seeking to continue this history of collaboration through the hosting of Fulbright-Fogarty Fellows. Fellows would be expected to work with their US and Ghanian mentors to develop a research project related to ongoing work or in a new area of interest.
Primary Contacts
HBNU Project Contacts
- Professor Wafaie Fawzi, Professor of Global Health, Nutrition, and Epidemiology; Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard Chan School of Public Health, mina@hsph.harvard.edu
- Elizabeth Fine, Training Programs Coordinator, efine@hsph.harvard.edu
University of Ghana Site Director
- Gordon Awandare, Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, gawandare@ug.edu.gh
Areas of Focus
- Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition
- Adolescent Health
- Infectious Disease
- Mental Health
- Non-communicable Diseases
Sample Research Projects
To receive examples of past projects or information on available/active projects at the University of Ghana, please contact the site director, Prof. Gordon Awandare.
Language Requirement
None
Additional Information
Please visit https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/global-health-research-partnership/sites-2/university-of-ghana/ for a complete list of HBNU-affiliated site mentors at the University of Ghana.
Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana - NPGH
U.S. University Consortia: NPGH
Summary of Site
Korle Bu Teaching Hospital is a public tertiary hospital in Accra, Ghana. It is the third biggest referral centre in Africa has 2,000 beds, 21 clinical and diagnostic departments and three Centres of Excellence.
Primary Contacts
- Dr. Cheryl A. Moyer, camoyer@umich.edu, University of Michigan
- Dr. Samuel Oppong, wak72@yahoo.com, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital / University of Ghana (letter of affiliation)
Areas of Focus
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 long-term 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 postpartum period.
Sample Research Projects
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
Language Requirement
None
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana - NPGH
U.S. University Consortia: NPGH
Summary of Site
Premier science and technology university in Kumasi, Ghana.
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.
Primary Contacts
- Dr. Barclay Stewart, barclays@uw.edu, University of Washington
Areas of Focus
- Injury prevention
- Epidemiology of surgical conditions, injuries and burns
- Trauma system models
- Cookstove safety
- Resuscitation
- Nutrition after injury
Language Requirement
None
Suntreso Government Hospital, Ghana Health Service - NPGH
U.S. University Consortia: NPGH
Summary of Site
Medium-sized government hospital that refers to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ghana.
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.
Primary Contacts
- Dr. Cheryl A. Moyer, camoyer@umich.edu, University of Michigan
- Dr. Ashura Bakari, abakari@yahoo.com, Suntreso Government Hospital (letter of affiliation)
Sample Research Projects
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
Language Requirement
None
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology - UJMT
U.S. University Consortia: UJMT
Summary of Site
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.
Primary Contacts
- Fred Stephen Sarfo, stephensarfo78@gmail.com
Areas of Focus
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
Language Requirement
None
Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research - UJMT
U.S. University Consortia: UJMT
Summary of Site
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.
Primary Contacts
- Michael Wilson, MWilson@noguchi.ug.edu.gh
Areas of Focus
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
Language Requirement
None
University of Ghana - UJMT
U.S. University Consortia: UJMT
Summary of Site
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.
Primary Contacts
- Anthony Andrew Adjei, aaadjei@ug.edu.gh
Areas of Focus
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
Language Requirement
None