International Program in Public Health Leadership (IPPHL) is Now Accepting Applications for 2026
The Evans School of Public Policy & Governance at the University of Washington is now accepting applications for the 2026 cohort of the International Program in Public Health Leadership (IPPHL). The deadline to apply is 5 August 2025 at 11:59 PM GMT.
This eight-month, fully funded leadership program is designed for mid-career public health professionals from Africa who are leading or managing public health programs within or in close collaboration with government health institutions. Through intensive policy, leadership, and implementation training, IPPHL aims to empower public health leaders with the tools and strategies necessary to drive sustainable and systemic health improvements across African nations.
About the Program
IPPHL is a flagship initiative of the Evans School, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and developed in partnership with the Center for Creative Leadership. Since its inception in 2017, the program has supported 192 leaders from 33 African countries.
The 2026 program will continue its mission to expand leadership and policy acumen, helping participants to navigate complex health systems, analyze policy alternatives, build evidence-based interventions, and drive impactful implementation strategies.
The curriculum emphasizes four core pillars:
- Policy Analysis and Strategy
- Evidence and Evaluation
- Implementation Science
- Personal and Organizational Leadership
Through this multifaceted approach, participants will gain practical experience and leadership insights to create and scale public health policies that are responsive, evidence-based, and impactful.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The program is tailored for mid-career professionals working in or with African Ministries of Health, government programs, or public-sector health initiatives at national or subnational levels. Ideal applicants will demonstrate:
- A minimum of mid-level responsibility in managing public health programs;
- Supervisory or managerial duties, either overseeing individual staff or teams;
- Accountability for program performance, especially involving frontline health workers;
- A degree in public health, medicine, or a related discipline;
- Strong English-language communication skills, with the ability to discuss real-world policy and implementation challenges;
- Current citizenship and residency in an African country.
Participants must be able to articulate specific policy or implementation obstacles they face in their roles, and demonstrate how leadership and policy training will enhance their capacity to solve those challenges.
Program Features and Commitments
The IPPHL is a blended program consisting of virtual learning and in-person engagements. Program activities include:
- Virtual modules in policy analysis, leadership, and implementation science;
- Residential leadership immersion workshops;
- Individualized coaching sessions;
- Peer learning and networking opportunities across a pan-African cohort.
The entire program is fully funded, covering travel, lodging, tuition, and materials for all participants. This ensures access and inclusion across socio-economic and geographic contexts.
Participants will be expected to commit to:
- Attending all virtual and in-person modules;
- Completing assigned coursework and leadership exercises;
- Engaging in group discussions, peer coaching, and project development;
- Applying learnings to a policy or program challenge within their current professional context.
Application Process
The application deadline is 5 August 2025 at 11:59 PM GMT. Interested applicants should visit the IPPHL website to access the online application portal. The application will require:
- A detailed summary of the applicant’s current role and responsibilities;
- A statement of interest highlighting key policy or program challenges they seek to address through IPPHL;
- A current résumé or CV;
- Contact details for professional references;
- Any additional documentation demonstrating leadership experience or impact.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the 2026 Program Brochure before applying, to ensure alignment with program goals and expectations.
Why Apply?
Public health professionals in Africa are often at the forefront of complex health system challenges, ranging from infectious disease control to universal health coverage. However, technical expertise alone is not sufficient. The ability to lead effectively, navigate political and institutional environments, and develop evidence-informed policies is essential to long-term public health success.
IPPHL offers a transformative experience that blends technical policy training with personal leadership development, equipping professionals with the mindset, skills, and networks to influence health policy and systems at the highest levels.
Graduates of the program become part of a growing pan-African network of health leaders committed to evidence-based policymaking and resilient health systems.
Apply by 5 August 2025 and join a dynamic community of public health leaders transforming Africa’s health systems.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the learning organization. For any inquiries, please contact the IPPHL directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
