A 7-day strategic intensive equipping public health institutions across sub-Saharan Africa with the diagnostic, analytical, and operational capabilities to detect outbreaks earlier — and respond faster, with confidence.
Africa carries roughly 25% of the global disease burden but holds less than 3% of the world's healthcare workforce. When the next outbreak emerges — and it will — the speed of national diagnostic and surveillance infrastructure is the difference between a contained event and a continental crisis.
State epidemiology units, federal labs, and tertiary hospitals operate on disconnected systems. Critical signals — case reports, lab results, mortality data — sit in silos for days before consolidation.
Many surveillance officers are clinically trained but lack formal preparation in outbreak analytics, modern molecular diagnostics, or digital reporting platforms. Existing FETP programmes are competitive and over-subscribed.
Equipment procured under emergency funding (PCR platforms, sequencers, BSL-2 cabinets) sits idle or single-use because institutions lack workflow design, QA frameworks, and trained operators.
National strategies (Africa CDC New Public Health Order, NCDC Strategy 2023-27) exist on paper. State-level operational adoption — with measurable surveillance KPIs — remains the missing layer.
ACEIHS partnered with practitioners from NCDC, Africa CDC RCC West, NIMR, and AFENET to design a curriculum that moves beyond theory — combining classroom instruction, wet-lab work, simulation exercises, and a capstone tied to each participant institution's real surveillance problem.
Every module starts with a real outbreak case study, dissected with the responding officers in the room.
Hands-on bench work and full-day tabletop exercises rehearse the muscle memory institutions need under pressure.
Cohorts split into mentored pods of 6, each led by a senior epidemiologist or laboratory specialist.
Pre- and post-assessments tied to the ACEIHS Maturity Framework so institutions can prove the change.
Three institutional tracks, each with tailored curriculum emphasis. We accept up to 36 participants per cohort with a strict mix to ensure cross-institutional learning. Sponsoring institutions may nominate up to 3 candidates each.
National and regional public health bodies responsible for setting policy and coordinating outbreak response.
Tertiary hospitals, reference laboratories, and academic public health institutions running diagnostics & research.
Implementing partners and development organisations supporting national surveillance & diagnostic capacity.
Every outcome is mapped to the ACEIHS Maturity Framework and the Africa CDC competency standards for public health professionals.
has successfully completed the Advanced Diagnostic & Surveillance Systems Programme delivered by the African Centre for Epidemic Intelligence & Health Security, in partnership with national public health authorities.
| Cohort dates | 14 – 20 September 2026Application window closes 31 July 2026 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Abuja, NigeriaHybrid sessions available for international participants |
| Cohort size | Up to 36 participantsMixed across the three institutional tracks |
| Language | EnglishTranslation support available on request |
| Investment | On enquiryConcessional rates for state institutions; full sponsorship places available for partner-nominated candidates |
| Accreditation | CMD-recognisedContinuing Medical Development credits applicable for licensed clinicians |
Once your institution is enrolled, every operational detail is handled by ACEIHS so participants can focus on learning.
If your question isn't answered here, write to [email protected] — we'll respond within 48 hours.
Mid-career professionals (5–15 years' experience) in public health, laboratory science, epidemiology, or clinical medicine, holding a leadership or technical role within an eligible institution. We particularly welcome state surveillance officers, laboratory directors, and emergency operations leads.
Yes. While the curriculum is anchored in Nigerian and West African contexts, participants from across sub-Saharan Africa, the Sahel, and East Africa are welcome. Visa support letters are issued on confirmed enrolment. Hybrid attendance is available for participants unable to travel.
Through a blend of institutional fees, partner sponsorships, and dedicated grants. Concessional rates apply to state-level institutions, and a fixed number of fully sponsored places are reserved for nominees from partner agencies including NCDC, Africa CDC RCC West, and AFENET.
(1) Register interest via the form below, (2) receive an application pack within 5 working days, (3) submit nomination letter from sponsoring institution + CV, (4) shortlisted candidates complete a brief technical pre-assessment, (5) final cohort confirmed 6 weeks before commencement.
Yes — institutions may nominate up to three candidates per cohort, with a recommended mix of laboratory, surveillance, and operational leadership roles to maximise post-programme implementation impact.
Yes. Every participant is paired with a faculty mentor for 6 months following the programme, with structured quarterly check-ins to support implementation of the institutional capstone plan. All alumni gain permanent access to the ACEIHS expert network and resource library.
Submit your details below and our programmes team will send the application pack and confirm whether sponsored places remain in your track.