In Sub-Saharan Africa, Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) face an alarming mental health crisis, with depression rates three times higher than those of their male peers. Despite this, many low- and middle-income countries allocate less than 2% of their health budgets to mental health, leaving a critical gap in care and support. However, an innovative approach is emerging to address this challenge: mathematical modeling.

Applications are open now for the Women Derive Mathematical Models for Mental Health (WEALTH) initiative, an international collaboration that aims to equip early- to mid-career researchers and policymakers with the skills to utilize mathematical models to tackle depression and related mental health conditions in AGYW. Led by CARTA’s focal person, Akinyinka Omigbodun, with Global Grand Challenges funding, the online training course offers a unique opportunity to turn data into actionable insights that drive policy change and effective interventions.

WEALTH stands out as a transformative initiative for several reasons:

  • International Collaboration: The program brings together experts from the University of Ibadan, the University of Warwick, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), and Imperial College, London.
  • Cutting-edge Curriculum: Participants will dive into mental health, mathematical modeling, and gender studies, gaining technical and advocacy skills.
  • Practical Focus: From mentorship to capstone research projects, this course prepares participants to critically evaluate and develop models, translate findings, and advocate for evidence-based policies.

WEALTH is designed for early- to mid-career researchers and policymakers passionate about public health, brain health, or gender studies across Sub-Saharan Africa. If you have a strong background in data analysis, mental health, or related fields, and can commit to 40 hours per month for 18 months, this fully-funded scholarship could be your gateway to making a real impact. Preference will be given to applicants from Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) partner institutions and to graduates of the Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CCAMH).

This is a unique chance to harness the power of mathematics to change the mental health landscape for AGYW in Sub-Saharan Africa. Be part of the solution—join WEALTH today! 

Eligible and interested candidates should submit their resume and a letter of application to: wealth4womeninafrica@gmail.com. Applicants will undergo a thorough selection process, and successful candidates will be awarded a full scholarship for the program.

Download the detailed call HERE.

Share

CARTA held a week-long series of high-level events in Nairobi, Kenya, from September 23 – 27, 2024, where key strategic discussions took center stage. The week began with the 18th Partners Forum, which brought together CARTA’s African and non-African Partners to review the consortium’s performance over the past year and engage in extensive discussions on future plans. 

At the two-day forum, partners elected Board Members for the 2025 – 2026 period. The CARTA Board of Management (BoM) comprises seven voting members, notably, three members from African partner universities; one member from African partner research institutes; one non-African partner; and the two co-Directors of the program, who also serve as the representatives from consortium leads – the African Population and Health Research Center and the University of the Witwatersrand. Selected partners serve on the Board for a two-year term, on a rotational basis.

The new Board includes:

  • Sharon Fonn, University of the Witwatersrand (Co-Director, BoM Member)
  • Catherine Kyobutungi, APHRC (Co-Director, BoM Member)
  • John Bosco Isunju, Makerere University (Board Member)
  • Hakan Billig, University of Gothenburg (Board Member)
  • Christopher Odhiambo, Moi University (Board Member)
  • Xavier Gómez-Olivé, Agincourt (Board Member)
  • Boladale Mapayi, Obafemi Awolowo University (Incoming Board Member)

The partners also participated in the competitive selection of fellows for the program’s eleventh cohort. Drawn from an initial pool of 153 applications, 17 promising early career researchers are now set to commence CARTA’s rigorous fellowship in March 2025. Fifteen (15) fellows from CARTA partner institutions will undertake varied doctoral degree programs across CARTA African partner universities, while two fellowships are allocated to staff members of Somali National University (SNU) who will undertake PhD studies at Makerere University. Makerere will support SNU during the fellowship period, including providing mentorship on research capacity. With further funding from the OAK Foundation, the program is looking to admit three more fellows who will undertake studies in the field of Prevention of Sexual Violence Against Children. The competitive call for these fellowships is currently open.

On the afternoon of September 24, members of the CARTA BoM engaged in a strategic dialogue with representatives from key funding organizations: the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, Science for Africa Foundation, and the University of Bergen (representing the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation – Norad). The session provided a platform to discuss the evolving funding landscape and explore potential opportunities for CARTA’s future growth. Funders shared their perspectives on current shifts in funding priorities and strategies, offering valuable insights into how CARTA can align its initiatives with these trends.

A key feature of the week was the Stakeholders Retreat, held on September 25-26, ahead of the conclusion of CARTA’s current strategic phase, CARTA2025. The two-day retreat was designed to reflect on CARTA’s achievements and shape its strategic direction for the next five years. The retreat began with an exploration of CARTA’s performance over the current strategic plan period using innovative frameworks like Appreciative Inquiry and the Balanced Scorecard (BSC). Discussions also centered on refining CARTA’s vision, mission, and values to ensure relevance in the evolving research and higher education landscape. The retreat’s final day focused on drafting strategic objectives and mapping them into actionable plans, which will guide CARTA through its upcoming phase. 

A notable agenda during the retreat was the validation of the Governance Assessment Report. This assessment, initiated in March 2023, involved a comprehensive review of CARTA’s governance structures, policies, and processes. Conducted by governance experts, the report’s findings were derived from interviews with key stakeholders and a thorough examination of current governance practices. Discussions on this report aimed at aligning CARTA’s governance with global best practices, ensuring the consortium’s long-term effectiveness and sustainability.

The week culminated in the 30th Board of Management (BoM) meeting on September 27, which focused on orienting new Board members, and consideration and approval of key outcomes from the engagements of the previous four days. At the BoM meeting, CARTA’s newly constituted Board held elections for a chairperson, which saw Christopher Joseph Odhiambo from Moi University elected to succeed Adamson Muula from Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS). CARTA extends enormous gratitude to Adamson who has not only served diligently as CARTA’s Board Chair since 2023 but has also been one of the program’s long-serving focal persons.

CARTA remains committed to fostering transparency and continuous engagement with its partners and funders in shaping the program’s future. The newly constituted Board of Management, along with the selected fellows and collaborative strategic thinking, positions CARTA for another transformative phase of growth and impact in research and related capacity strengthening across the continent.

Share

A pinnacle of academic, research, and leadership development, CARTA’S cohort 10 fellow, Alice Muhayimana, of the University of Rwanda, has been actively involved in organizing and implementing activities to raise awareness about climate change and its impact on maternal and newborn health. These initiatives have focused on educating the community about the adverse effects of climate change and providing actionable strategies for mitigation. Their goal was to equip midwives, healthcare workers, and the general public with the knowledge and skills needed to address the challenges posed by climate change on maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

During her fellowship with CARTA, she had the opportunity to attend an online short course on Gender-Based Analysis for Vector-Borne Diseases and Climate Change, offered by the School of Public Health at the University of the Witwatersrand. This course enhanced her understanding and ability to contribute to community outreach activities by integrating gender perspectives into climate change discussions and health interventions.

The CARTA program has been instrumental in shaping her approach to community outreach by promoting awareness, education, and capacity-building initiatives. These activities have fostered greater collaboration at the institutional level increased knowledge and awareness of climate change and mitigation strategies at the individual level and contributed positively to the health and well-being of the residents of Rwamagana District of Rwanda, including Rwamagana Level II Teaching Hospital, Rwamagana Health Center, Kigabiro Sector, and Groupe Scolaire Saint Aloys Rwamagana. They provided education to midwives, nurses, student associate nurses, and the general population in the community. Before these efforts, the audience was largely unaware of climate change, its impact on maternal and newborn health, and strategies to mitigate its adverse effects. After the workshop, they became informed and knowledgeable about these critical issues.

Alice attributes this achievement to CARTA through her holistic participation as a CARTA fellow. The knowledge she gained in climate change during her fellowship was shared during the community outreach session. Other contributors to this initiative included the Rwanda Association of Midwives, the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Rwamagana district leaders, and the leaders of the community outreach sites.

Photo Credits: Alice Muhayimana, cohort 10, participates in a community outreach initiative in Rwamagana District of Rwanda

Share

The Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) is an initiative of eight African universities, four African research institutes, and eight non-African partners. CARTA offers an innovative model for doctoral training in sub-Saharan Africa to strengthen the capacity of participating institutions to conduct and lead globally competitive research. CARTA aims to produce a critical mass of high-quality graduates trained to address the complex issues surrounding health and development in Africa, retain them in the region, and provide them with a vibrant intellectual environment, as well as viable and challenging research and growth opportunities.

CARTA is proud to offer three PhD fellowships for staff members of partner institutions who wish to do research in the field of prevention of sexual violence against children (SVAC). Only proposals in this area clearly focused on prevention will be accepted.

CARTA-PreventSVAC PhD Fellowship

As part of its innovations, CARTA offers a collaborative doctoral training program in public and population health. This program has been developed in response to the great challenges faced by Africa’s institutions of higher education in addressing the training and retention of the next generation of academics in the region. Specifically, CARTA seeks to fund candidates who will be future leaders in their institutions. That is, young, capable, and committed individuals who, in time, will ensure that their universities will be the institutions of choice for future generations of academics and university administrators wishing to make a positive impact on public and population health in Africa.

This call for CARTA PhD fellowships is open to staff members of participating institutions who are interested in conducting their PhD research on prevention of sexual violence against children. We welcome applications from any discipline, such as public health, demography, anthropology, communication, medicine, psychology, gender studies, and economics, among others, as long as the research question aims to contribute to increasing the understanding on prevention of sexual violence against children in Africa. CARTA is committed to gender equity in access to the training programs and governance structure and implements a series of interventions to support the progress of women in academia (see CARTA’s gender position). Women are, therefore, particularly encouraged to apply. 

Successful applicants will attend CARTA’s innovative series of Joint Advanced Seminars (JASes) together with the fellows in CARTA Cohort 11. Both the development and delivery of these courses are jointly led by regional and international experts. 

The seminars include didactic sessions, discussions, demonstrations, and practice computer labs. These activities collectively serve to: 

  1. Expose students to key theories and concepts, seminal readings, and research methods of disciplines relevant to public and population health; 
  2. Train students in critical research skills; and 
  3. Build and maintain a network of researchers for scientific collaborations, professional support, and mutually beneficial exchange of scientific resources. 

JASes are offered once annually for four years to each cohort and build skills and conceptual depth from year to year. Each JAS runs for 3 to 4 weeks and some include on-line learning prior to the residential session. Specific topics covered in each JAS include the following (precise dates will be provided later in the fellowship): 

  • JAS1 (March 2025) builds critical thinking, technical skills, and other core research competencies, and introduces students to the essential concepts and seminal articles of the disciplines brought together under CARTA.
  • Inter-JAS (April-October 2025) is an intense fully on-line academic writing course with mandatory assignments that must be submitted within the stipulated timelines.
  • JAS2 (November 2025) focuses on data management and analysis. Fellows learn to use software packages for qualitative and quantitative data management and analyses. Practice sessions use real research data and current software packages for hands-on training 
  • JAS3 (August 2027) focuses on data presentation, the doctoral dissertation, and scientific writing and communication skills to facilitate results dissemination and policy engagement 
  • JAS4 (March 2028) addresses professional development including skills necessary to manage and teach large class sizes, raise and manage research funds, grant writing, and research management. 

As an additional innovation, CARTA will introduce face-to-face and on-line training on researcher self-care and on doing research on contentious issues. This training will start in JAS1 and run through the whole PhD experience and will be offered to all fellows in cohort 11, with particular focus on the three CARTA-PreventSVAC fellows.

With this call, the CARTA program offers three PhD fellowships. They are open to staff members of CARTA African partner institutions who plan to register for their PhD studies at their institution of employment and are eligible for fee waiver. Staff members of the CARTA research institutions need to submit a commitment from their institution to secure funds to cover the fees or secure a waiver at a CARTA partner University within their country.

The fellowships, which are tenable at the CARTA African institutions, include the following benefits:

  • The cost of the fellow’s participation in the joint advanced seminars; 
  • A modest monthly stipend and moderate support for research activities; 
  • A laptop loaded with relevant software (1-time license only);
  • Funds to attend one international conference; and 
  • Support to participate in training programs of choice.

Important note: The CARTA fellowships provide financial support for up to 48 months of study, which is accessible according to the guidelines on milestones and graduation (see here). The CARTA-PreventSVAC fellowships will NOT cover tuition fees, medical insurance, or travel support for fellows registered at a partner institution different from their own. Applicants must be staff of partner institutions and will be requested to show evidence of being eligible for fee waiver at the time of submitting the application. These conditions are non-negotiable.

The respective African partner institutions need to commit to continue paying fellows’ salaries (or equivalent) as faculty members and to modify their workloads for the fellows. This is to enable them to fully participate in CARTA-organized activities pertaining to their PhD program and to concentrate on their PhD studies. The partner institutions will also need to commit to waive the fellows tuition fees when they register at the institution where they are employed. Fellows are encouraged to seek supplemental funding to cover additional costs of their doctoral program like additional research costs or further opportunities for training and scholarly exchange.

Eligible African Institutions

  • Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria
  • University of Ibadan, Nigeria
  • University of Rwanda, Rwanda
  • Makerere University, Uganda
  • Moi University, Kenya
  • University of Nairobi, Kenya
  • Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Malawi and its associates (through KUHeS)
  • University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
  • African Population and Health Research Center, Kenya  
  • Agincourt Health and Population Unit, South Africa 
  • Ifakara Health Institute, Tanzania

Eligibility

  • A Master’s degree in a relevant field (MSc, MA, MMed, MPhil etc).
  • Prior admission into a PhD program is not required for application but awards are contingent on such admission being obtained at one of the participating African universities.
  • Applicants for this program must be full-time teaching or research staff at one of the participating African institutions and should be committed to contributing towards building capacity at their institutions.
  • Applicant’s PhD research proposal must be related to prevention of sexual violence against children in Africa.
  • Fellowships are only open to individuals who have not yet registered for a PhD or are in the very early stages (first year) of the PhD program and are yet to define their research proposal. Fellows seeking support to complete a PhD or secure an additional PhD are not eligible to apply.
  • Applicants must commit to participation in all four annual residential Joint Advanced Seminars (JASes), and to engage in inter-seminar activities designed to keep fellows actively engaged and in continual communication with peers and mentors.
  • Men applicants must be under the age of 40 years and women applicants under the age 45 years.

Application Procedure

  1. Contact the CARTA focal person (access list here) at your institution to discuss your interest and clarify eligibility criteria.
  2. Applicants are expected to submit a full application by October 20, 2024 to THE SECRETARIAT via REDCap (link). The full application includes:
  • A full research proposal (see the link to the form to download and see the required fields and word limit)
  • Updated CV
  • Motivation letter (max 1000 words)
  • Letter of support from their institutional HoD committing to modify the workloads for the fellows, to enable them to fully participate in CARTA-organized activities pertaining to their PhD program and to allow them to dedicate part of their time to their own PhD research. 
  • A scanned copy of their contract with the CARTA partner institution
  • Evidence of eligibility for fee waiver once they are registered at the institution where they are employed. For those at IHI and APHRC, a letter from the institution committing to cover full tuition fees and travel support to the institution of registration
  1. CARTA partner institutions will confirm eligibility of the applicants by October 31, 2024.
  2. Scientific review of the proposals will take place between November 1 – 28, 2024.
  3. Final fellowship decision will be communicated by the CARTA Secretariat by December 15, 2024.

Applications will be accepted ONLY through REDCap (link here). All applicants are encouraged to access the system and start their application before writing anything down. Make sure the system is working and take note of all the required fields. No late or incomplete application will be considered under any circumstance.

Deadline for submission is Sunday October 20, 2024, at 11:59 pm EAT. Sharp.

 

Important Dates

  • October 20, 2024: Deadline for submission of proposals and application materials
  • December 15, 2024: Announcement of final fellowship decisions
  • January 10, 2025: Enrollment for pre-JAS activities (on-line)
  • March 1, 2025: Commencement of fellowship and in-person JAS1 (4 weeks)

CARTA Focal Persons

Institution Focal Person Contact Details
Makerere University, Uganda Prof. Robert Wamala Director, Directorate of Research & Graduate Training
Makerere University, Kampala, UGANDA
Tel: +256 774 515366
Email: wamalar@gmail.com
Dr. John Bosco Isunju Disease Control & Environmental Health Dept
Makerere University, Kampala, UGANDA
Tel: +256-414-530983, Cell: +256-774515366
Fax: +256-414-533809
Email: isunju@musph.ac.ug, ibosco2001@yahoo.com
Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria Dr. Melvin Ojo Agunbiade Senior Lecturer, Department of Sociology & Anthropology
Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State, Ile-Ife, NIGERIA
Tel: +234 805 922 1715
Email: oagunbiade@oauife.edu.ng
Prof. Boladale Mapayi Department of Mental Health
Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State, Ile-Ife, NIGERIA
Tel: +234 803 393 0096
Email: daledosu@yahoo.com
Moi University, Kenya Prof. Anne Nangulu Deputy Commission Secretary, Quality Audit & Standards Commission for University Education
Moi University, Eldoret, KENYA
Mobile: +254 733 870 502
Email: anangulu@gmail.com
Prof. Christopher Odhiambo Director, School of Postgraduate Studies
Moi University, Eldoret, KENYA
Phone: +254 722 345953
Email: cjodhiambo@hotmail.com
University of Ibadan, Nigeria Prof. Akinyinka Omigbodun College of Medicine
University of Ibadan, NIGERIA
Tel: +234 803 323 0457
Email: omigbodun@yahoo.com, omigbodun@gmail.com
Dr. Funke Fayehun Department of Sociology
University of Ibadan, NIGERIA
Tel: +234 803 323 0457
Email: cl_funke@yahoo.com
University of Rwanda, Rwanda Prof. François Niragire College of Business and Economics
University of Rwanda
Huye-campus, BP 117, Butare, RWANDA
Tel: +250 788 273787
Email:fniragire@ur.ac.rw, fniragiree@gmail.com 
Dr. Mousa Hakizamana College of Medicine and Health Sciences
Po. Box: 3286 Kigali, RWANDA
Email: hakizamoise@gmail.com
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Malawi Prof. Adamson S. Muula College of Medicine
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre 3, MALAWI
Tel: +265 884 233 486
Email: amuula@kuhes.ac.mw
Prof. Fanuel Liampao College of Medicine
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre 3, MALAWI
Tel: +265 881 992 652
Email: flampiao@kuhes.ac.mw
University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa Dr. Jude Igumbor Associate Professor, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA
Tel: +27 72 791 59 27
Email: Jude.Igumbor@wits.ac.za, judeigumbor@yahoo.co.uk
Dr. Daphney Conco Senior Lecturer, Health and Society Division
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA
Tel: +27 11 717 2502 / 072 072 3305
Email: Daphney.Conco@wits.ac.za
University of Nairobi, Kenya Prof. Alfred Agwanda Otieno Director, Population Studies & Research Institute
University of Nairobi, Nairobi, KENYA
Tel: +254 714 850803
Email: ataotieno@uonbi.ac.ke
Dr. Rose Okoyo Opiyo Chairperson, Department of Public and Global Health
University of Nairobi, Nairobi, KENYA
Tel: +254 722 473122
Email: roseopiyo@uonbi.ac.ke
Share

In today’s rapidly evolving academic landscape, the ability to adapt and grow is crucial for researchers and institutions alike. CARTA has been a beacon of support, especially for James Kangethe, a cohort 10 fellow at the University of Nairobi. CARTA has significantly enhanced his professional and academic practices through its comprehensive capacity-building initiatives, such as the Joint Advanced Seminars (JASes), fostering improved teamwork, personalized approaches, and ethical standards. His emphasis on collaboration has refined his role definition and teamwork skills with colleagues and international researchers. The focus on tailored behavior change strategies has guided his work to better address individual needs, while CARTA’s commitment to ethical practices has strengthened his adherence to autonomy, cultural sensitivity, and evidence-based methods. He has applied these advancements across diverse settings, demonstrating the direct impact of CARTA on his development.

The CARTA program has significantly enhanced his academic and professional practices at the University of Nairobi by encouraging his active involvement in research and training. His participation has fostered a dynamic research environment, leading to the active submission of abstracts and the dissemination of results at international scientific conferences. This has strengthened his relationships with international researchers and facilitated the creation of multidisciplinary networks for future collaborative projects and publications.

Additionally, he has engaged in grant-writing activities through CARTA and the University of Nairobi, successfully securing competitive travel grants for conferences. Capacity-building activities focused on writing manuscripts, grant applications, and policy briefs have become a standard component of his offerings to ECRs at his home institution. He will integrate this with implementation science in health to ensure the practical application of research findings in public health practice, thereby bridging the “know-do gap.”

For James, the impact of the CARTA program is significant, both personally and for the University of Nairobi. On a personal level, the program has been instrumental in advancing his research skills and expanding his professional connections, which are vital for his growth in academia. His active participation in international conferences and successful grant writing have significantly increased his recognition and standing in the global research community. For the institution, the integration of CARTA’s capacity-building initiatives, including manuscript preparation, grant writing, and policy brief development, has greatly enhanced its support for ECRs. This contribution is critical to creating a vibrant research environment and advancing research objectives.

Furthermore, incorporating implementation science guarantees the effective application of research findings in public health, bridging the critical gap between knowledge and practice. This strengthens the University of Nairobi’s position and contribution to addressing global health issues and mentoring ECRs. James attributes these accomplishments to CARTA, its Secretariat, his primary mentors, and CARTA peer fellows who have been part of his journey.

Photo credits: Freepik

Share

My journey to becoming a researcher in malaria prevention and control began with the invaluable support of the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA), which not only funded my PhD tuition at the University of Nairobi but also provided me with high-level mentors. Their vast expertise and unwavering support were instrumental in shaping my PhD research. In addition, CARTA supported my initial post-PhD research career through a CARTA re-entry grant. This foundation paved the way for my first independent research grant from an external founder, which focuses on maximizing the benefits of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) through consistent utilization.

The re-entry grant that I received from CARTA in 2018 was part of the building blocks leading  to the prestigious R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Titled “Real-world Impact of Next-Generation Insecticidal Nets for Malaria Control in Rural Western Kenya,” this grant marks a significant milestone in my academic and research journey. The grant amounting to over USD 600,000 commenced on April 1, 2024 and will continue until March 30, 2029, spanning five years. 

The project will investigate the efficacy of Next Generation LLINs, which combine a pyrethroid with a synergist to combat insecticide resistance, an escalating threat to malaria control. With the World Health Organization now endorsing these nets, their distribution in high-burden counties in Kenya has set the stage for our research.

Our team leverages an existing longitudinal cohort of 500 individuals established in Webuye Sub-County in 2017 to assess the real-world impact of piperonyl-butoxide (PBO) nets. In recruiting the cohorts, we identified villages that were hotspots and coldspots for malaria and randomly sampled households while tracking malaria indicators. Our goal is to understand the human and entomological factors that may affect the nets’ effectiveness, ultimately informing strategies to maximize their impact.

Securing the R01 grant isn’t solely a personal achievement; it signifies an opportunity to contribute significantly to the fight against malaria. By studying the newly distributed PBO LLINs, we want to identify any factors that could reduce the effectiveness of these nets and address them early before they become a bigger problem.

I am forever grateful to CARTA for the opportunities that have propelled me towards my mission of eradicating malaria. CARTA’s support has been invaluable in my transformation into the research leader I aspired to be. I am committed to advancing our understanding of malaria control, aiming to not only save lives, but also to improve health outcomes in Kenya and beyond.

Judith Mangeni, Cohort 3

Senior Lecturer, Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Moi University

Share
We'd love your feedback!