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  • Call for applications for the APHR Traineeship Programme.

    Call for applications for the APHR Traineeship Programme.

    PHIM Laboratory Team
    Official Call for Applications

    Applied Public Health Research (APHR) Traineeship Programme

    PHIM-RKI Partnership Programme (October 2026 – December 2028)

    Building institutional capacity and developing a dedicated cohort of research multipliers across PHIM’s core operational divisions.

    How to Apply Download Application Form (.docx)

    Target Audience

    Early- to Mid-Career Staff

    BSc / MSc Qualifications

    Duration

    2 Years (Oct 2026 – Dec 2028)

    3 Workshops + Mentorship

    Cohort Size

    9 Selected Trainees

    R&D, Epi & NPHL Divisions

    Application Deadline

    09 September 2026

    Submit by 23:59 CAT

    Programme Overview

    The Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM), in collaboration with the Robert Koch Institute (RKI)—Germany’s national public health institute—is pleased to invite applications from eligible PHIM staff for the Applied Public Health Research (APHR) Traineeship Programme.

    Implemented under the framework of the Team Europe Initiative supporting the Public Health Institute of Malawi (TEI PHIM) and co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), this 2-year capacity-building programme is designed to strengthen applied public health research competencies across PHIM’s key operational areas.

    Train-the-Trainer (ToT) Multiplier Approach

    The APHR Traineeship aims to establish a high-caliber cohort of public health professionals who will not only advance their own research competencies but also act as trainers and mentors (“multipliers”), systematically cascading knowledge, methodologies, and skills within their respective divisions.

    Partner Institutions & Funding Attribution

    This initiative is jointly organized and supported by leading public health and development entities:

    PHIM Logo

    PHIM

    Public Health Institute of Malawi – Host institution & lead operational body.

    RKI Logo

    Robert Koch Institut

    Germany’s national public health institute – Technical collaboration & mentorship partner.

    GIZ Logo

    GIZ

    Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH – Implementation partner.

    Implemented under Team Europe Initiative (TEI PHIM) Co-funded by the European Union & German Federal Ministry (BMZ)

    What Trainees Gain

    • Free, competency-based training in applied public health research.
    • Hands-on experience leading research projects of direct national relevance.
    • Mentorship from experienced national and international public health researchers.
    • Peer-reviewed publication: Expert support to publish research findings.
    • Policy engagement: Guidance in translating evidence into policy briefs and dialogues.
    • Certificate of Participation upon successful completion.

    What is Expected

    • Full participation across the 2-year programme duration.
    • Attend 3 in-person training workshops and adjacent cohort meetings.
    • Active engagement in monthly online seminars and mentoring sessions.
    • Completion of self-paced e-learning modules and coursework.
    • Conduct a small-scale applied research project in a team setting.
    • Cascade knowledge and skills to colleagues within PHIM.

    Curriculum Framework & Research Areas

    The programme provides a broad, competency-based curriculum grounded in the WHO Global Competency and Outcomes Framework (2024), tailored specifically to PHIM’s operational research priorities. It addresses core competencies under the Essential Public Health Function 11 (EPHF 11) across the complete research cycle:

    Priority Setting
    Protocol Development
    Ethics & Governance
    Data & Analysis
    Scientific Writing
    Knowledge Translation

    Three Strategic Focal Research Areas

    Aligned with Malawi’s National Health Research Agenda II (2023–2030), trainees will execute team projects in one of the following key pillars:

    Area 1

    Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

    Addressing health systems, equitable access, and essential healthcare delivery.

    Area 2

    RMNCH

    Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health clinical & population research.

    Area 3

    Health Security

    Surveillance, disease outbreak readiness, emergency response, and diagnostics.

    Indicative Time Commitment

    Applicants must ensure they can allocate sufficient time to complete all traineeship components alongside their operational duties:

    Programme Activity Estimated Time Commitment
    3 In-Person Workshops + Cohort Meetings Approx. 7 days each (8 hours/day)
    Live Online Group Sessions & Webinars 2 hours per month
    Self-Directed E-Learning & Exercises At least 2 hours per month
    Applied Research Activities At least 4 hours per month
    Cascading Training at PHIM (ToT) Preparation & delivery schedule TBC

    Eligibility Criteria & Cadre Scope

    PHIM Divisional Representation & Cadre Scope

    Open to active early- to mid-career technical officers, researchers, lab scientists, and public health staff serving in PHIM’s 3 core operational divisions: Research and Development (R&D), Epidemiology and Surveillance, or National Public Health Laboratories (NPHL).

    Educational Background

    Must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in public health, epidemiology, biomedical science, medicine, or a related discipline. Note: Candidates who already hold a PhD will not be considered.

    Research Motivation & Commitment

    Demonstrate a strong interest in applied public health research and commit to participating in all traineeship activities across the full 2-year timeline.

    Multiplier Potential & Capacity

    Willingness and professional standing (or demonstrated potential) to serve as a trainer and cascade learning to colleagues within their division.

    Supervisor Endorsement

    Provide written confirmation and signature from your direct supervisor agreeing to grant protected time for all programme activities.

    Application Checklist

    Complete packages must be submitted by email before the deadline.

    • Expression of Interest: Max 500 words addressing motivation, alignment with role, commitment, focal area choice, and cascading plan.
    • Curriculum Vitae (CV): Up-to-date, maximum 2 pages highlighting qualifications and experience.
    • Participant Application Form: Completed and signed (Annex 1).
    • Supervisor Endorsement: Official signature on Section F of the form.
    Download Application Form (.docx)

    Key Programme Timeline

    1

    26 August 2026

    Applications Open

    Call launched across PHIM divisions.

    2

    09 September 2026

    Submission Deadline

    All documents must be received by 23:59 CAT.

    3

    09–25 September 2026

    Selection Review Process

    Competitive evaluation by PHIM-led committee.

    4

    28 September 2026

    Applicants Notified

    Selected cohort of 9 trainees announced.

    October 2026

    Traineeship Commencement

    Programme runs through December 2028.

    Submission & Enquiries

    Submit all complete application components or send general inquiries to the Programme Coordinator:

    Contact Person

    Ms. Bessie Phiri

    phim-rki@health.gov.mw

    Participation is free of charge. Workshop travel and project research expenses are fully covered by the programme.

    Joint Partnership & Technical Collaboration

    Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) · Robert Koch Institute (RKI) · Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)

    Authored & Published By

    Penjani Phiri & Moses Nyambalo Phiri

    Public Health Institute of Malawi

    Ministry of Health, Republic of Malawi

  • Public Health Institute of Malawi Hosts One-Health Meeting, Eyes National Strategy for Coordinated Health Action.

    Public Health Institute of Malawi Hosts One-Health Meeting, Eyes National Strategy for Coordinated Health Action.

    One Health Stakeholder Meeting

    Ufulu Gardens, Lilongwe, Malawi June-2025..
    by
    Moses Nyambalo Phiri in collaboration with Mark Mwalabu, and Settie Kanyanda.

    The One Health Stakeholders Meeting, held at Ufulu Gardens in Lilongwe on June 26, 2025, brought together key players from Malawi’s public health, animal health, and environmental sectors. Organized by the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) in collaboration with the Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development (DAHLD) and the Environmental Affairs Department (EAD), the meeting aimed to strengthen collaborative approaches under the One Health framework, align ongoing and planned activities, and improve coordination and cross-sectoral efforts.

    Representatives from various vital government bodies, including the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change, the Department of Disaster Affairs, the Malawi Police Service, the Malawi Defence Force, and the Office of the President and Cabinet, were in attendance. The Airport Commandant of Kamuzu International Airport’s Port Health Services also participated.

    Dr. Wilfred Chalamira Nkhoma from the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) officially opened the meeting. He stressed the critical need for strategic and coordinated efforts within a One Health approach to ensure its success.

    He particularly emphasized the critical need to operationalize One Health and establish structured, periodic meetings to review progress and foster accountability. He said “A significant proposal was the in the development of a national One Health strategy or policy with clear implementation and accountability plans for each sector” . He called for an Accountability and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) framework to track sectoral contributions and progress and suggested an independent committee to develop Scorecard to evaluate sector performance.

    “…Malawi needs to strategically coordinate efforts in One Health approach to achieve overall improved health of our nation….”

    Dr. Wilfred Chalamira Nkhoma – OPC.

    Several organizations presented their contributions and insights:

    The Pandemic Fund announced that Malawi had a $2.7 million share in the 2024 regional project focusing on disease surveillance and workforce response to climate-driven disease outbreaks. As of current, a multi-country proposal (RAPID-AI) for 2025 and a single-country proposal for strengthening pandemic preparedness through One Health approach are pending approval.

    Health Informaticts Malawi advocated for health informatics and data governance through training, advocacy, and standardization, emphasizing that “Every dataset should generate a decision.” while the WHO shared that they have been supporting for national One Health policies and AMR-related strategies, noting fragmentation and stressing the need for clear sectoral responsibilities and a skilled workforce.

    The AMR National Coordinating Committee (ANCC) provided an update on the AMR National Action Plan (2023–2030), with plans to establish a national OH AMR data warehouse, and there was also notion that research on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in poultry had identifying gaps in research and challenges related to data quality.

    HISP Malawi / University of Malawi showcased climate-health initiatives, including the DHIS2 Climate App (CHAP) and a climate data portal, emphasizing interoperability, whereas Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust Focused on AMR research, particularly in Salmonella and E. coli, with pilot One Health research on AMU and AMR in hospitals.

    Key questions arose regarding the underrepresentation of environmental data in OH strategies and how to promote cross-use-case infrastructure and data interoperability with systems like NAMIS and OHSP. A follow-up call with GIZ and HISP was recommended to align integration efforts.

    Mirna Hussein, ECSA and Dr. Chikonzero, GIZ

    The meeting, co-funded by GIZ and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), the collective commitment to a unified approach to public health in Malawi.