Nigeria Malaria Modelling Fellowship (MMF): Comprehensive Overview
The Nigeria Malaria Modelling Fellowship (MMF) aims to develop mathematical modeling expertise among public health professionals in Nigeria, with a specific focus on malaria. This fellowship provides an immersive curriculum that covers mathematical modeling, malaria epidemiology (including transmission dynamics), and essential adjunct modules. These components are designed to enhance participants’ careers and equip them with in-demand skills for public health modeling.
Collaborative Effort and Funding
The MMF is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and is a collaborative initiative involving the following partners:
- Corona Management Systems (CMS)
- National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP)
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC)
- World Health Organisation (WHO)
Fellowship Objectives
The key goals of the fellowship, to be achieved by August 2025, are:
- Increase Expertise in Malaria Modeling:
Train more doctoral and post-doctoral level mathematical modelers specializing in malaria, based at Nigerian institutions. - Strengthen NMEP Capacity:
Build the capacity of the National Malaria Elimination Programme to use modeling tools for strategic planning and evaluation. - Support NFETP’s Modeling Fellowship:
Enhance the Nigeria Field Epidemiology Training Programme (NFETP) to offer a comprehensive modeling fellowship.
Fellowship Benefits
The MMF is fully funded, and fellows in the current cohort will receive logistical support for both physical and online sessions. Special support will also be provided to female fellows with children under 18 months of age.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Gender Requirement: Only female candidates are encouraged to apply.
- Educational Background: A Master’s degree or higher in public health, epidemiology (including environmental, parasite, and veterinary epidemiology), biostatistics, bioinformatics, or applied mathematics.
- Specialized Training: Experience in malaria or infectious disease control programs, particularly graduates or residents from accredited Field Epidemiology Training Programs.
- Data Analysis Skills: Training in quantitative data analysis is desirable.
- Institutional Affiliation: Current affiliation to a Nigerian public institution working in human, animal, or environmental health.
- Professional Experience: At least three years of relevant work experience.
- Technical Proficiency: Competency in Microsoft Excel and effective communication skills in verbal and written English.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrated ability to work independently and solve problems efficiently.
Preferred Candidates
The following candidates are particularly encouraged to apply:
- Post-doctoral researchers and junior lecturers specializing in epidemiology and biostatistics.
- Resident doctors in training for public health or community medicine.
- Data management specialists working with malaria programs, National Stop Transmission of Polio cohorts, Rapid Response Teams, or emergency preparedness units.
- Monitoring and evaluation personnel with expertise in quantitative data analysis, especially those working in ministries, departments, and agencies across the one health ecosystem.
Note: Successful candidates must have institutional approval for release to attend scheduled training sessions in FCT, Abuja.
Application Deadline
Deadline: February 16, 2025
