Are you a mid-career public health professional in Africa looking to enhance your leadership and policy skills?

The International Program in Public Health Leadership (IPPHL) 2025 offers a unique opportunity to transform your career and make a lasting impact on health systems in your country.

This fully-funded program brings emerging African health leaders to the University of Washington for world-class training in public health policy and leadership.

Read on to learn how you can take your public health career to the next level with this prestigious international leadership program.

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What is the International Program in Public Health Leadership (IPPHL)?

IPPHL 2025: Fully-Funded Leadership Program for African Public Health Professionals (Application Guide & Benefits)

The International Program in Public Health Leadership (IPPHL) is an eight-month program designed for emerging leaders working in or closely with African Ministries of Health.

As a flagship program of the Evans School at the University of Washington, IPPHL aims to expand the policy and leadership capabilities of participants to develop and implement lasting public health solutions.

Key features of the IPPHL program include:

Curriculum focused on policy analysis, evidence evaluation, implementation, and personal leadership development
Combination of virtual learning and in-person immersion experiences
Fully funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Partnership with the Center for Creative Leadership
Network of over 150 alumni from 29 African countries since 2017

The program brings together a cohort of mid-career public health professionals from across Africa for intensive training, networking, and collaborative learning.

Through a mix of online coursework, in-person residencies, and a capstone project, participants gain the skills and knowledge to drive meaningful change in their home countries’ health systems.

Program Details for IPPHL 2025

The 2025 IPPHL program will run from February to September 2025. Here’s an overview of the key components and timeline:

Orientation (Virtual)

Dates: February 25-27, 2025
Format: Live virtual sessions from 4:00-5:30 PM GMT
Content: Introduction to the program, cohort, policy project, executive coaches, and IPPHL network

Independent Policy Prep

Dates: March 3-28, 2025
Format: Self-paced online preparation
Content: Preparatory work for upcoming sessions and policy project

Policy Intensive

Dates: April 8 – May 22, 2025
Format: Live virtual sessions every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00-5:30 PM GMT
Workload: 5-7 hours per week on assignments, readings, assessments, coaching sessions

Leadership Immersion

Dates: June 11-28, 2025
Location: Seattle, Washington, USA
Format: In-person residency (2.5 weeks)
Content: Experiential learning, workshops, networking, leadership development

Launch & Learn

Dates: July 22 – August 19, 2025
Format: Independent project work with virtual check-ins on select Tuesdays
Content: Applying frameworks in workplace, finalizing policy projects

Capstone Seminar

Dates: September 1-6, 2025
Location: TBD (West Africa)
Format: In-person seminar
Content: Final presentations, progress assessment, future planning

Participants are required to attend all program components, including virtual sessions and in-person residencies. The program involves a significant time commitment, but offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and networking.

Eligibility Requirements

The IPPHL program seeks mid-career public health professionals from Africa who are poised to take on greater leadership roles.

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Currently working in government, for a government initiative/partner, or entity at the federal, regional, state, or provincial level in an African country
Responsible for managing public health program(s) with supervisory responsibilities (individual staff or team)
Accountable for the performance of public health programs and/or managing front-line health workers
Hold a degree related to public health or be a medical professional
Citizen and current resident of an African country
Strong English language skills
Ability to articulate policy and program implementation challenges in public health

The program aims to select a diverse cohort representing different countries, areas of public health, and professional backgrounds. Ideal candidates are those with 5-15 years of experience who are ready to expand their impact and take on more senior leadership roles.

Benefits of Participating in IPPHL

Participating in the International Program in Public Health Leadership offers numerous benefits for your career and professional development:

World-Class Training

Learn from leading experts at the University of Washington Evans School of Public Policy & G overnance, consistently ranked as one of the top public affairs programs in the United States. The curriculum is tailored specifically for public health leaders in Africa.

Global Network

Join a cohort of emerging leaders from across Africa and build lasting connections with peers facing similar challenges. The program has trained over 150 professionals from 29 countries since 2017.

Leadership Skills

Develop critical leadership competencies through personalized coaching, 360-degree assessments, and experiential learning activities. Enhance your ability to lead teams and drive change.

Policy Expertise

Gain advanced skills in policy analysis, program evaluation, and evidence-based decision making. Learn frameworks to tackle complex public health challenges.

U.S. Immersion Experience

Spend 2.5 weeks in Seattle for intensive in-person training, site visits, and cultural experiences. Expand your global perspective on public health.

Capstone Project

Work on a policy project directly relevant to your role, with guidance from faculty advisors. Develop an actionable plan to implement in your organization.

Fully Funded

All program costs including tuition, travel, and accommodations are covered by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Participants are only responsible for minor expenses like visa fees.

Career Advancement

IPPHL alumni have gone on to senior leadership positions in ministries of health, NGOs, and international organizations. The program provides a significant boost to your public health career.

How to Apply for IPPHL 2025

The application process for the 2025 IPPHL cohort is now open. Here are the key steps to apply:

Review eligibility requirements and program details carefully
Gather required documents (CV, statement of release, recommendation letter)
Complete the online application form, including short essay questions
Submit all materials by the deadline: September 29, 2024

Click here to access the IPPHL 2025 application

Application Components

The IPPHL application includes several key components:

Personal Information: Basic details on your background and current roleEmployment

History: Overview of your professional experience in public healthEducation History: Information on your academic qualifications

Short Essays: Three essay questions (1500 characters each) on:

Your leadership experience and skills
A critical challenge you want to address through the program
How IPPHL will further your career aspirations

Resume/CV: Upload in PDF formatStatement of Release: Letter from your supervisor authorizing your participation

Letter of Recommendation: From your employer highlighting your potential and how IPPHL will benefit your organizationBe sure to carefully review all application instructions and submit well before the deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Tips for a Successful IPPHL Application

Standing out in a competitive applicant pool requires careful preparation. Here are some tips to strengthen your IPPHL application:

Highlight Leadership Experience

Provide specific examples of how you’ve led teams, managed programs, or driven change in your current role. Quantify your impact where possible.

Articulate Your Vision

Clearly explain your career goals and how IPPHL fits into your professional development plans. Show how you’ll apply the skills gained to benefit your organization and country.

Demonstrate Commitment

Emphasize your dedication to public health in Africa and passion for tackling critical challenges. Show how IPPHL aligns with your values and aspirations.

Be Specific in Essays

Use concrete examples and details in your short essay responses. Avoid vague generalities and really showcase your unique experiences and perspectives.

Get Strong Recommendations

Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your leadership potential. Brief them on the program and your goals.

Polish Your Writing

Carefully proofread all application materials for clarity, conciseness, and proper English usage. Consider having a colleague review.

Start Early

Begin working on your application well before the deadline. Gathering materials and crafting strong essays takes time.

Show You’ve Done Research

Demonstrate familiarity with IPPHL and how it specifically fits your needs. Reference program components in your essays.

Be Authentic

Let your genuine passion and commitment shine through. Avoid exaggeration or trying to be someone you’re not.

Follow Instructions Carefully

Adhere to all guidelines on essay length, document formats, etc. Attention to detail matters.

The program is highly selective. Typically only 20-25 participants are chosen from hundreds of applicants.For any other questions, contact the IPPHL team at [email protected].

Preparing for IPPHL: Resources to Explore

If you’re considering applying to IPPHL or want to start preparing, here are some valuable resources to check out:

Books

“Global Health 101” by Richard Skolnik
“Understanding Health Policy” by Thomas Bodenheimer
“The Challenge of Global Health” by Laurie Garrett

Online Courses

Foundations of Global Health (Coursera)
Essentials of Global Health (edX)
Analyzing Global Health Trends (FutureLearn)

Websites

Podcasts

Reports

Exploring these resources will deepen your understanding of global health challenges and policy approaches, helping you prepare for IPPHL and strengthen your application.

The Future of Public Health Leadership in Africa

As Africa faces complex and evolving health challenges, strong and visionary leadership is more critical than ever. Programs like IPPHL play a vital role in cultivating the next generation of public health leaders equipped to tackle issues like:

Strengthening health systems and universal health coverage
Responding to emerging infectious diseases and pandemics
Addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases
Leveraging technology and data for health interventions
Promoting health equity and addressing social determinants
Building resilience to climate change impacts on health
Advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights

IPPHL graduates are at the forefront of driving progress on these issues across the continent.

By combining technical expertise with advanced leadership and policy skills, they are transforming how public health programs are designed, implemented, and evaluated.

The future of public health in Africa depends on nurturing a pipeline of talented, passionate, and skilled leaders.

IPPHL is making a significant contribution to this goal, creating a network of change agents who will shape health policy and programs for decades to come.

Conclusion: Is IPPHL Right for You?

The International Program in Public Health Leadership offers a transformative opportunity for mid-career professionals looking to take their impact to the next level.

If you’re passionate about improving health outcomes in Africa and ready to enhance your leadership and policy skills, IPPHL could be the perfect next step in your career.Key takeaways about the program:

Fully-funded 8-month experience combining online and in-person learning
World-class curriculum from top-ranked University of Washington
Focused on practical skills in leadership, policy analysis, and implementation
Global network of peers and mentors
Capstone project to apply learning to real-world challenges
Proven track record of advancing alumni careers

Applying to IPPHL requires careful preparation and reflection on your goals. Take time to review the eligibility requirements, program components, and application process in detail.

Reach out to alumni or the IPPHL team with any questions.

If you’re ready to transform your career and make a lasting impact on public health in Africa, don’t miss this opportunity.

The application deadline for the 2025 cohort is September 29, 2024.

Click here to start your IPPHL application today

Invest in your leadership journey and join a global community of change-makers shaping the future of public health.