Fellowships
Fellowships
The WHO Fellowships Programme contributes to the acquisition of technical knowledge and skills required of the health workforce that may not be available in the candidate’s own country. It encourages cooperation among scientific and professional groups and facilitates international exchange of medical and scientific knowledge. Finally, it promotes improved teaching and training standards in health, medical and related professions.
Award of a WHO Fellowship constitutes a joint undertaking by WHO, fellows, national health administrations of sending and receiving countries, and training institutions. Training can be provided abroad or through distance learning in the candidate’s own country where suitable facilities exist.
Four stages
There are four stages in the WHO Fellowships Programme.
- In the planning stage, WHO Representatives and their national health administration counterpart ensure that fellowships provisions are in line with national health plans and fill a human resources gap of the country.
- In the selection stage, fellowships with a duration of three months and above are advertised. Candidates submit applications online which are then forwarded to the Regional Office for processing.
- In the operational stage, selected applicants undertake their fellowship. As WHO fellows, they receive entitlements and obligations until completion of the programme. Fellows must submit copies of academic reports and progress reports.
- In the follow-up stage, fellows are required to submit final reports. Fellows are then mandated to serve in the national health administrations in their country.
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Study tours
A study tour is a form of fellowship in which a group of health workers or scientists visits one or more countries to study local problems and methods of dealing with them. It is a fact-finding mission, an educational experience and an opportunity to establish international linkages and collaborations. Study tours can also take the form of tailor-made short-term training courses.
In order to be eligible, candidates must be health workers or scientists in good health that have been nominated by their national health administrations. Candidates are typically not over 55 years of age. Once selected, they are required to follow the authorized itinerary and submit a final report describing their findings and impressions.
