Fellowships
Overview
WHO’s Fellowships Programme is an integral component of human resources development in the Region. It has always been accorded high importance by Member States and is recognized as an effective means whereby Member States can prepare staff for leading positions in their health services.
Fellowships help the countries strengthen their health services through technical capacity-building of their health workforce, both in undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as short-term and long-term programmes. The fellowships programme cuts across the various technical programmes. It is a joint undertaking by WHO, the fellows, sending government, receiving government and training institutions.
Fellowships are awards for study made to individuals by their governments. The application and awarding of a fellowship constitute a joint undertaking by WHO, the host country, the fellow and the government.
The fellowships programme contributes to the acquisition of specific technical knowledge and skills, including balanced skill-mix, required of the health workforce for the protection, maintenance and promotion of population health and improved service delivery; promote cooperation among scientific and professional groups that contribute to the advancement of health; the international exchange of medical and scientific knowledge and transfer of technology; and promote improved teaching and training standards in health, medical and related professionals.
Figure: Fellowships and study tours by country of origin, 2010
