Sharing perspectives and experiences of doctoral fellows in the first cohort of Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa: 2011–2014

Fresier Maseko,Kennedy Otwombe,François Niragire,Dieudonné Uwizeye,Peter Nyasulu,Mphatso Kamndaya,Sulaimon Afolabi,Victoria M Mwakalinga ,Joshua O Akinyemi ,Taofeek O Awotidebe ,Sunday A Adedini ,Caroline Sultan Sambai ,Esther Clyde Nabakwe ,Rose Okoyo Opiyo ,Adedokun Taiwo Sulaimon ,Celine Niwemahoro,Nicole De Wet,Wells Utembe,Esnat Chirwa,Babatunde Adedokun

doi:10.3402/gha.v7.25127

Abstract

Background Resolution of public health problems in Africa remains a challenge because of insufficient skilled human resource capacity. The Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) was established to enhance capacity in multi-disciplinary health research that will make a positive impact on population health in Africa. Objective The first cohort of the CARTA program describes their perspectives and experiences during the 4 years of fellowship and puts forward suggestions for future progress and direction of research in Africa. Conclusions The model of training as shown by the CARTA program is an effective model of research capacity building in African academic institutions. An expansion of the program is therefore warranted to reach out to more African academics in search of advanced research training.

Highlights

Resolution of public health problems in Africa remains a challenge because of insufficient skilled human resource capacity
The Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) was established to enhance capacity in multi-disciplinary health research that will make a positive impact on population health in Africa
The model of training as shown by the CARTA program is an effective model of research capacity building in African academic institutions

Summary

Introduction

Resolution of public health problems in Africa remains a challenge because of insufficient skilled human resource capacity. The Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) was established to enhance capacity in multi-disciplinary health research that will make a positive impact on population health in Africa. Objective: The first cohort of the CARTA program describes their perspectives and experiences during the 4 years of fellowship and puts forward suggestions for future progress and direction of research in Africa. Conclusions: The model of training as shown by the CARTA program is an effective model of research capacity building in African academic institutions. An expansion of the program is warranted to reach out to more African academics in search of advanced research training

Objectives

Conclusion