Transform African Health Systems: (IPPHL) International Program In Public Health Leadership 2026 By The Evans School Of Public Policy & Governance At The University Of Washington -

About the International Program in Public Health Leadership (IPPHL) 2026

The International Program in Public Health Leadership (IPPHL) is now accepting applications for its 2026 cohort. Hosted by the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance at the University of Washington, IPPHL is a prestigious eight-month, fully funded leadership program tailored to strengthen the capacity of mid-career public health professionals from Africa.

The application deadline is 5 August 2025 at 11:59 PM GMT. Applicants selected for the program will undergo a transformative journey through policy analysis, implementation science, and leadership development, enabling them to drive change within their health systems at both national and subnational levels.

Eligible Fields

The IPPHL is specifically designed for professionals working in the public health sector and related disciplines, particularly those actively involved in:

Health policy and systems management
Government-led public health programs
Ministries of Health and public institutions
Community-based health implementation projects
Health-focused NGOs or technical support programs working closely with governments

Applicants should have a background in public health, medicine, health systems, health economics, epidemiology, or any related field that supports public sector health programs.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the 2026 IPPHL cohort, candidates must meet the following requirements:

Be a mid-career professional currently working in or closely with a Ministry of Health, public health agency, or public-sector initiative in an African country.
Hold a supervisory or managerial role, with responsibility over staff or programs—especially those involving frontline health workers.
Be accountable for the performance or outcomes of a health program or initiative.
Possess a degree in public health, medicine, or a related field.
Demonstrate strong English-language proficiency, including the ability to engage in high-level policy and implementation discussions.
Hold citizenship and current residence in an African country.
Be able to clearly describe a specific policy or implementation challenge in their current work and show how IPPHL training can help address it.

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated based on their professional responsibilities, potential to influence public health policy, and readiness to benefit from intensive leadership development. Strong candidates will:

Show demonstrated leadership experience or clear leadership potential
Present a compelling statement of purpose highlighting real-world policy challenges
Exhibit interest in improving health systems through evidence-based strategies
Be committed to applying new skills and knowledge within their current institutional settings

Eligible Countries

The IPPHL is open exclusively to citizens and residents of African countries. It targets professionals currently working within the continent to ensure contextual relevance and maximize impact on health systems in Africa.

Required Documents

Applicants will need to submit the following documents through the official application portal:

A detailed résumé or CV
A summary of their current job responsibilities, scope of work, and public health impact
A statement of interest outlining specific policy or program implementation challenges they face
Contact details for professional references
Any supporting materials that showcase leadership achievements or influence on public health policy

Applicants are advised to review the 2026 Program Brochure thoroughly before submitting their application to ensure alignment with program expectations and goals.

Benefits of the International Program in Public Health Leadership (IPPHL) 2026

The IPPHL offers a fully funded and immersive leadership experience, combining virtual instruction with in-person residencies and continuous coaching. Selected participants will benefit from:

Virtual learning modules on health policy analysis, evidence use, and implementation science
Residential workshops focused on leadership immersion and practical application
Individualized coaching with experienced public policy and health experts
Access to a pan-African peer network for learning, collaboration, and support
Development and refinement of solutions to real-world health challenges
Opportunities to amplify impact by scaling evidence-informed policies and practices

All program expenses—including travel, lodging, tuition, and materials—are fully covered, making it accessible to professionals across diverse economic backgrounds.

Note the following:

The IPPHL is delivered through a blended learning model, combining:

Online coursework (completed remotely across several months)
In-person engagements, including intensive leadership residencies
Capstone projects that allow fellows to apply new knowledge to a pressing challenge in their home country
Peer learning sessions and cross-national collaboration

Participants must commit to completing all components of the program, including online sessions, assignments, team discussions, and in-person events. The fellowship is highly interactive, requiring consistent engagement, reflective practice, and applied learning.

How to Apply

Interested professionals should submit their applications through the official IPPHL website by 5 August 2025 at 11:59 PM GMT. The application portal includes detailed instructions for document submission, eligibility verification, and next steps.

Here’s how to apply:

Visit the IPPHL website
Access the 2026 application portal
Submit all required documents and responses before the deadline
Monitor communications for updates regarding selection and next steps

Final Thoughts

In Africa’s dynamic and often resource-constrained health environments, technical expertise alone isn’t enough. The ability to lead with confidence, influence policy, and navigate institutional complexity is essential for long-term, systemic health transformation.

The IPPHL provides a rare and powerful opportunity for rising African public health leaders to:

Build technical and policy leadership skills
Gain exposure to global best practices
Tackle real implementation problems in their own settings
Join an alumni network of over 190 leaders across 33 African countries

If you’re ready to elevate your leadership and help shape the future of public health in Africa, the IPPHL is a launching pad to help you do just that.

Don’t miss this chance to advance your career and lead meaningful change. Apply by August 5, 2025, and be part of Africa’s next generation of public health changemakers.