We are working with multiple stakeholders across the hospital, District Health Management Team and NGOs to collaboratively improve system processes in a fragile and complex health system. Working with Matron Konteh at Kambia Government Hospital is key in supporting health system structures here in Kambia. I have learnt a great deal from her so far and continue to learn from the wider hospital staff.
Emily Bailey, KGHP Fellow and NHS Nurse
27 January 2025
King's Global Health Partnerships Launches Fellowship Programme in Sierra Leone
King’s Global Health Partnerships (KGHP) has introduced an exciting Fellowship programme aimed at improving maternal, child and reproductive health outcomes in Sierra Leone, while addressing systemic challenges in the country's healthcare system.
The initiative, supported by the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is part of Saving Lives Phase III, a five-year programme delivered by a consortium of six NGOs, led by Concern Worldwide, in partnership with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health and Sanitation, to strengthen Sierra Leone’s health system and improve quality of care.
As part of this consortium, KGHP is delivering a Clinical Mentorship programme of work. Fellows from across King’s Health Partners, and the wider NHS, will help to deliver this strand by establishing a health workforce and education development programme, equipping healthcare professionals in Sierra Leone with vital skills and knowledge.
By mentoring local teams and promoting leadership in education, Fellows will help create sustainable systems that improve healthcare quality and patient outcomes across Sierra Leone.
About the Programme
This 12-month Fellowship invites experienced Medics, Nurses, Midwives, Paramedics, and Allied Health Professionals from the UK to contribute to strengthening Sierra Leone's health infrastructure. Fellows will work across six districts, supporting clinical mentorship, developing hospital education teams, and delivering leadership training to the health workforce. They will also facilitate morning teaching sessions and knowledge exchange visits between smaller, rural community health centres.
The Fellowship Experience
During their placement, Fellows will participate in a comprehensive learning curriculum tailored to develop their leadership and management skills in global health. The Fellowship combines theoretical learning with hands-on experience, ensuring Fellows can effectively apply their expertise in Sierra Leone and later bring valuable skills and learning back to the UK.
Over the 12-month programme, Fellows will be supported in the following four areas:
1. Clinical and Operational project delivery support. Support from King’s Sierra Leone Partnership in-country team, including Operations and Programmes Teams, reporting to the Clinical Lead.
2. Reflective practice and clinical supervision. Enrolment in the Clinical Supervision Programme supported by regular multi-disciplinary Action Learning Sets to embed reflective learning.
3. Leadership mentoring and coaching. Mentoring in systems change and development by experts in the field.
4. The KGHP Learning Hub. Access to the wide network of learning, subject matter experts and leaders in global health care. Workshops and seminars from across the KGHP networks to utilise system strengthening tools.
The KGHP Learning Hub Curriculum
The curriculum is divided into thematic blocks, each focusing on critical aspects of global health:
| Block 1 | Introduction to Global Health | Explore core concepts, historical perspectives, and key milestones in global health. |
| Block 2 | Global Health Interventions | Learn principles of designing, implementing, and evaluating health interventions. |
| Block 3 | Maternal and Child Health | Address global priorities in maternal and child health, including major challenges. |
| Block 4 | Epidemiology and Disease Burden | Gain foundational knowledge in epidemiology and an understanding of disease burdens. |
| Block 5 | Future Directions and Leadership | Discuss emerging trends and develop essential leadership skills for future global health challenges. |
The KGHP Fellowship develops leaders in Systems Strengthening and Global Health through a unique blend of practical experience and applied global health theory. Fellows engage in dynamic learning modules led by experts, applying their knowledge to real-world programmes under the guidance of health leaders in Sierra Leone. This approach equips participants with the skills to embed reflective practice, foster partnerships, and drive impactful contributions to global health systems.
Aneesah Peersaib, Country Director, Sierra Leone, KGHP
Benefit to the NHS
The KGHP Fellowship Scheme brings valuable skills and learning back to the UK’s national health system, as returning Fellows bring leadership and expertise in population health and insights from global health systems, driving innovation in integrated care and supporting NHS public health strategies. It also supports NHS workforce retention strategies by offering career breaks for professional development, reducing burnout, and improving staff engagement.
Application Details
Applications are now open for our next cohort of Fellows to travel to Sierra Leone in April/May 2025.
For more information, visit the King’s Global Health Partnerships website. To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to kghp@kcl.ac.uk. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis so we encourage you to apply early.
For any questions about the Fellowship, please contact Aneesah Peersaib, Country Director, Sierra Leone: aneesah.peersaib@kcl.ac.uk.
Support for Fellows
KGHP provides Fellows with:
- Return flights, accommodation, and a monthly stipend.
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing mentoring.
- Visa, residency permit, professional registration and medical indemnity cover in Sierra Leone
- Vaccinations, antimalarials and enrolment onto King’s College London’s Travel Insurance policy.