Context
Reliable epidemiological data are often unavailable or severely limited in sub-Saharan Africa. This knowledge gap is further aggravated by a shortage of skilled personnel in epidemiology and biostatistics to efficiently monitor, analyse and interpret epidemiological data to inform policy and decision making. The 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic (Covid-19) has further revealed the lack of skilled human resources to effectively deal with epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa. It is therefore necessary to train epidemiologists and biostatisticians for sub-Saharan Africa, capable of working in collaboration with national health departments and national public health agencies. They should also be able to work in collaboration with international organizations such as the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Africa, the West African Health Organization (WAHO), and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), to collectively conduct routine surveillance, conduct public health research and respond effectively to epidemics.
The University of Abomey-Calavi in Benin (through the Laboratoire de Biomathématiques et d’Estimations Forestières – LABEF / FSA / UAC, and the Laboratory of Epidemiology of Chronic and Neurological Diseases – LEMACEN / FSS / UAC) in consortium with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM, England), and the National Agency for Primary Health Care of the Ministry of Health (ANSSP/MoH, Benin), secured funding from the 2nd European and developing countries Partnership for clinical trials Program (EDCTP) to implement the project “Training epidemiologists and biostatisticians for enhanced response to disease outbreak and epidemic in west Africa – TEBWA”. This project aims to train 15 Masters level specialists in Epidemiology and Biostatistics for West Africa.
This call for applications is for the recruitment of candidates for the Master in Biostatistics (08) and the Master in Epidemiology and Interventions in Public Health (07) for the academic year 2021-2022. Selected candidates will benefit from living expenses for two years as well as research costs, airline tickets for international candidates (round trip once between the candidate’s country of origin and Cotonou in Benin) and an attractive and competitive framework for mentoring, tutoring, and research in Biostatistics and Epidemiology. The courses of the Master in Biostatistics are entirely taught in English, while the courses of the Master in Epidemiology are entirely taught in French. The two courses (Master in Biostatistics, Master in Epidemiology and Public Health Interventions) will take place on the campus of the University of Abomey-Calavi, based in Benin. The selected candidates from francophone (respectively anglophone) countries will also benefit from an initial training in English (respectively French) in the form of intensive courses in order to be able to follow the courses normally.
Who can apply?
This call is open to people with a diploma equivalent to at least a Bachelor’s degree in the fields of Life Sciences (agronomy, environment, health, epidemiology, pharmacy, etc.), or in Mathematics / Statistics and wishing to acquire knowledge and know-how in Biostatistics and Epidemiology.
Components of the application file
- A motivation letter from the applicant indicating the selected Master’s degree (Biostatistics or Epidemiology and interventions in public health)
- An up-to-date curriculum vitae (template downloadable here: please complete, sign, and scan)
- Certified copies of the baccalaureate diploma and all other higher education diplomas
- Certified copies of transcripts from the baccalaureate and all university years
- A letter of recommendation
- A letter from hierarchical superior indicating that the applicant has the support of his home Institution and that he will be able to return to the institution once the studies are completed (for civil servants).
Submission of the application file
All application materials must be submitted:
- Online using this link (https://bit.ly/3soBH1x). This form is to be filled in by all applicants.
- By physical deposit at the secretariat of the Laboratoire de Biomathématiques et d’Estimations Forestières – LABEF / FSA / UAC every working day from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 P.M. and from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. for the master’s degree in Biostatistics.
- By physical deposit at the administrative secretariat of the doctoral school of health sciences every working day from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for the Master in Epidemiology and interventions in public health.
Application deadline
Applications must be submitted no later than September 10, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. GMT
Selected candidates will be notified no later than September 25, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. GMT. The intensive English/French courses will start on October 11, 2021 and the courses will start on December 1, 2021.
Additional information
For any other information, please send an email to: tebwa2021@gmail.com
Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply!