Dear applicant,
According to the WHO, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is one of the top 13 global health security challenges for the next decade[1]. It is seemingly becoming a pandemic and disproportionately affects people in low-resource settings. In 2019, bacterial AMR was associated with more than 4.95 million deaths and directly related to 1.2 million deaths globally. One-Health professionals have an essential role in the prevention and control of AMR. We need to ensure an optimal education and preparation of One-Health graduates and young professionals, in-order for them to play their roles accordingly.
This third edition of the Ducit Blue Foundation Internship and Mentorship Program is tailored for One-Health professionals across Africa. Our comprehensive four-month program is strategically designed to facilitate connections with seasoned experts and peers hailing from diverse academic backgrounds across Africa. Our program stands as an innovative platform crafted specifically for recent One-Health graduates.
During this program, you will delve into the realm of AMR prevention and control strategies. Our focus extends beyond the classroom, as we promote a collaborative atmosphere that nurtures One-Health interprofessionalism and multidisciplinary teamwork. Within this framework, you will find an emphasis on several crucial components:
Advocacy: Learn to champion the cause of AMR control within your country and beyond.
Information Cascade: Develop the skills to effectively disseminate knowledge and awareness.
Research: Engage in research initiatives that contribute to AMR control strategies.
Data Analysis: Hone your data analysis skills, a vital aspect of evidence-based decision-making.
Our ultimate goal is to prepare you for leadership roles through succession planning. We envision you as future advocates for AMR control in your respective countries, armed with the knowledge and skills to make a significant impact.
This cohort focuses on five distinct streams: Human Medicine, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, Public Health, and Environmental Sciences.
Ducit Blue Foundation (DBF) is the NGO arm of Ducit Blue Solutions, a healthcare consultancy company with the vision to be a leading solutions provider in the healthcare industry, making quality service delivery and patient safety accessible to all across the public and private sector, using an embedded approach. This programme is part of our Youth Against Antimicrobial Misuse (YAAM) programme, designed to suit the African population distribution of about 60% being under 25 years of age.
Disclaimer: Participation in this internship is voluntary. All the information collected will be solely used for the purpose of evaluating your applications and will stay confidential and accessible only by the organising team.
If you have any questions about how your data will be used, please contact us on info@ducitblue.com.
Kindly review the application guidelines and process, and you will find the frequently asked questions (FAQs) below:
Deadline for submission completion is 13th October 2023
Section 1
Candidate Profile:
The Intern should have the following skills/attributes:
- Excellent command of written and spoken English or French (with working knowledge of English).
- Good knowledge and interest in AMR on a national and international level.
- Good communication, research and writing skills.
- Previous reports, articles, blogs, or publications (ideal but not essential).
- Led or participated in a project in community, school or work (ideal but not mandatory).
- Citizen and resident in an African country.
- Access to a computer (laptop/desktop) and good internet connection is required.
Section 2
Application Process:
Section 3
Requirements for submitting your application
As part of the application process, kindly attach the following with your application.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English ;
- Motivation letter of not more than 500 words including the Commitment that applicant will be available for at least 2 hours, 3 times a week for 4 months-the duration of the programme (including a project, activities for world antimicrobial awareness week and training to be One-Health Lessons ambassadors).
- A letter of recommendation from 2 professional referees e.g Supervisor and academic mentor with their official email address and contact indicating:
- Your endorsement to participate in the internship
- How the internship will benefit the intern
- Commitment that the applicant will be available for the duration of the programme
- A soft copy of passport photograph (jpeg or png)
- Proof of degree/proof of registration with your professional association.
Section 4
Eligibility:
Interns Selection Criteria:
- Application is open to recent One-Health graduates (1 – 2 years) who studied the following in their undergraduate level : Human Medicine, Veterinary medicine, Pharmacy, Public Health, and Environmental science
- Country-context experience on Antimicrobial resistance initiatives is an advantage.
- Great skills in data and research will be an added advantage
- Strong CV
- Strong motivation statement
- Strong recommendations/ referees
Key Output / Expectation from the Intern / Mentee
To be a champion and leader for awareness and solutions to antimicrobial resistance; disseminate and share lessons learnt within their professional networks and the general public, as well as community and or at their community / country level engagements.
Internship/Mentorship Guidelines: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Applications
How many interns are accepted for this cohort?
Approximately 20 interns would participate in the program. This may be subject to review and adjustment.
How many streams are there and how do I know which one I fall under?
There are five streams for the internship program. Streams are categorized according to areas of study/ speciality:
Stream 1 – Pharmacy
Stream 2 – Human Medicine
Stream 3 – Veterinary Medicine
Stream 4 – Environmental Science
Stream 5 – Public health
Select your streams
What are the deadlines for applying?
Deadline for submission of application is 23:59 Friday, 13th October, 2023
Can I still send my application when the deadline is over?
Applications will not be accepted after the deadline.
Will I be informed of the receipt of my application?
No, automatic receipt will not be sent but you will be contacted if successful or further information is required.
Is a CV enough for an application? What do I need for the application?
Please refer to the Section 3: Requirements for submitting your application sections.
If I am selected, what is expected of me?
This internship is a unique opportunity to learn things beyond the class room and with multidisciplinary One-Health colleagues.
You will be expected to:
- Dedicate at least 4-6 hours per week for sessions/activities
- Attend and participate actively in ALL interactive sessions, multidisciplinary group work and any other such requirement
- Complete a capstone project
- Disseminate and share lessons learnt within their professional member associations and or at their community / country level
What are the benefits of the internship?
This internship gives you the opportunity to develop skills to:
- Be a youth One-Health and AMR leader and champion
- Become solutions providers and problem solvers for addressing AMR for Africa, by Africans
- Gain valuable insight and experience in global issues and policy
- Develop new skills and refine others
- Identify and develop your value proposition for addressing public health challenges in Africa
- Apply knowledge gained to on-the-job situations
- Explore different career options
- Meet and network with professionals, mentors and colleagues across different One-Health sectors and African countries
- Become a One-Health Lessons Ambassador
- To participate in programmes and access opportunities beyond the internship
How long is the programme?
The internship is for 16 weeks (October 2023 to February 2024)
Is this a full-time program?
No, the internship program is virtual and part-time. Nonetheless, your full commitment is essential to actively engage in all virtual sessions, as well as to participate in group work, conduct further reading, research, and networking beyond the scheduled virtual meetings. Furthermore, there may be occasional opportunities to visit specific organizations in your respective countries.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes, all selected candidates who have completed the internship will receive a certificate of completion, stating the period of the internship (based on agreed % participation).
I am an undergraduate. Can I apply?
No. Application for this cohort is only open to recent graduates in the streams mentioned above, who are within 1-2 years post graduation.
I am a citizen of a non-African member state. Can I apply for the internship?
No, for this cohort, only citizens of an African country, currently studying/ resident in Africa are eligible.
What if my question was not answered by these FAQs?
If you have questions that have not been answered in the internship FAQs, contact info@ducitblue.com via mail with your questions for clarification.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard this enriching journey towards a healthier, more resilient future, Africa and You!
Studying antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is crucial for several impressive reasons:
1. Global Health Impact: AMR poses a significant threat to public health worldwide. Understanding it can help mitigate the spread of drug-resistant infections, saving countless lives.
2. Evolutionary Biology: Studying AMR provides insights into the rapid evolution of microorganisms, showcasing nature’s adaptability and the importance of genetic diversity.
3. Interdisciplinary Research: It requires collaboration across fields like microbiology, medicine, pharmacology, genomics, epidemiology, and more, fostering innovation and interdisciplinary research.
4. Antibiotic Discovery: Research into AMR leads to the development of new antibiotics and treatment strategies, addressing one of medicine’s most pressing challenges.
5. Economic Costs: AMR imposes substantial economic burdens on healthcare systems. Investigating it helps identify cost-effective interventions to reduce these economic strains.
6. Policy Implications: Understanding AMR informs policymakers about the need for regulations on antibiotic use, prescription practices, and the importance of global coordination.
7. One Health Approach: AMR research highlights the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, promoting a holistic “One Health” perspective.
8. Future-Proofing Medicine: As resistance grows, finding alternative therapies, such as phage therapy and precision medicine, becomes imperative to ensure effective healthcare.
9. Innovation in Diagnostics: AMR research drives the development of rapid diagnostic tools, enabling healthcare providers to make informed treatment decisions.
10. Educational Opportunities: It offers opportunities for students and researchers to engage in cutting-edge science and make a meaningful impact on a global scale.