The Principal CHS-Prof. Damalie Nakanjako (2nd L) with Director EAFRI-Prof. Sarah Kiguli (3rd L), Associate Director EAFRI-Professor Samuel Maling (3rd R) and FAIMER Officials at the launch on 10th May 2023, Deans Gardens, CHS, Makerere University.FAIMER, in collaboration with Makerere University College of Health Sciences and Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Uganda, has unveiled the establishment of the Eastern Africa FAIMER Regional Institute (EAFRI). This groundbreaking initiative aims to advance the education of health professions educators in East Africa, benefiting countries such as Uganda, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Comoros, Seychelles, and Mauritius.
Beginning in August 2023, EAFRI will offer fellowships to health professionals, with applications now available on their website. The two-year fellowship program will be based on the International FAIMER Institute, enabling participants to gain expertise in education methods, leadership and management, education scholarship and research, and project management and evaluation. The program's interactive approach emphasizes the practical application of participants' projects as they integrate their newfound knowledge.
EAFRI joins a network of nine other FAIMER Regional Institutes worldwide, with locations in Chile, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, and more. Through collaboration with Makerere University College of Health Sciences and Mbarara University of Science and Technology, EAFRI aims to strengthen the healthcare workforce in East Africa and enhance the capabilities of faculty, students, and communities in the region.
Dr William Pinsky, Chief Executive Officer of Intealth, expressed gratitude for partnering with the two Ugandan universities, emphasizing that EAFRI Fellows will become part of a global network of over 2,000 FAIMER Fellows. This collaboration showcases FAIMER's commitment to advancing the global health workforce.
Dr Ronald Blanck, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of FAIMER commended the partnership, highlighting the combined strengths of Makerere University College of Health Sciences and Mbarara University of Science and Technology in advancing healthcare education. The collaboration will provide faculty development opportunities that benefit the health workforce in East Africa, ultimately improving the quality of healthcare services delivered to communities.
Makerere University College of Health Sciences, recognized as the region's oldest medical school, will contribute its expertise by offering doctoral and master's programs in health professions education and establishing an HPE Center of Excellence. The university's support for medical schools in East Africa extends to collaborative training programs, including the Medical Education Partnership Initiative and the Health Professional Education Partnership Initiative, among others.
Mbarara University of Science and Technology, the second oldest public university in Uganda, has been training health professionals for over three decades. The university's medical education resource center and active engagement in regional, national, and international collaborations further enhance its contributions to the partnership.
The launch of EAFRI marks a significant milestone for FAIMER and its partners as they work towards strengthening the healthcare workforce in East Africa. By empowering health professions educators, the institute aims to enhance healthcare delivery and make a positive impact on the lives of individuals across the region.
Article by Jed Mwangi
Photo/Makererer portal
Comment