The African Centre for Vector Genomics has announced a fully funded international training programme in Molecular Vector Surveillance aimed at strengthening Africa’s scientific capacity to combat vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue.
The specialised programme will be hosted by the Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases and is funded by the Gates Foundation. The initiative forms part of broader continental efforts to improve disease surveillance, insecticide resistance monitoring, and evidence-based vector control strategies across Africa.
Applications for the programme are currently open, with the deadline set for 9 June 2026.
According to organisers, the AVecGen training programme seeks to equip African scientists, researchers, and public health professionals with advanced molecular and laboratory skills needed to study disease vectors and respond to emerging public health threats.
The programme is expected to support:
The initiative also aligns with AVecGen’s long-term mission of building sustainable scientific expertise capable of responding to evolving health challenges linked to climate change, urbanisation, and shifting mosquito populations.
Participants selected for the programme will undergo intensive practical and theoretical training focused on molecular entomology and vector genomics.
Key training areas include:
Organisers said the programme is designed to bridge laboratory research with real-world public health applications, enabling participants to translate scientific findings into practical vector control interventions.
The AVecGen training programme will be fully funded for all selected participants.
Benefits provided include:
The programme will run in person for 10 days at the Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases in Yaoundé, Cameroon, beginning in August 2026.
AVecGen has emphasised its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the selection process.
The organisation is particularly encouraging applications from:
According to organisers, building inclusive scientific communities is critical to advancing sustainable public health research and strengthening disease surveillance systems throughout the continent.
To qualify for the training programme, applicants must meet several academic and professional requirements.
Eligible applicants must:
The organisers clarified that prior advanced experience in molecular entomology is not mandatory, although applicants should demonstrate readiness to fully benefit from the programme.
The training programme is open to applicants from diverse scientific and public health backgrounds.
Target participants include:
The organisers hope the programme will help strengthen regional collaboration among scientists working on infectious disease control and vector surveillance.
Interested candidates are required to submit their applications through the programme’s official online application platform.
Key dates include:
The training programme comes at a time when African countries continue to face growing challenges from vector-borne diseases, climate-related health risks, and increasing insecticide resistance among mosquito populations.
By expanding access to advanced molecular surveillance training, AVecGen and CRID aim to strengthen Africa’s capacity to generate high-quality scientific evidence and improve disease prevention strategies across the continent.
Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding

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Africa Research Fellowship Programme

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University of Birmingham

United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)