POHER SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Empowering African Medical Students Through Research and Mentorship
About POHER Scholars
POHER is committed to supporting education locally and internationally. Since its inception, our program has supported 60 students across the African continent from Nigeria, Zambia, Cameroon, Malaysia, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan/Egypt, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Uganda and South Africa.
60
Total Students Supported
14
Total Countries Represented
11
Current 2026 Scholars
Our selection criteria include academic excellence, social responsibility, community involvement, financial need, and the personal impact that the award will have on the recipient's academic aspirations.
Program Overview
The POHER mentorship program is a comprehensive initiative designed to help mentees develop clinical research projects and advance their long-term career interests. We provide foundational knowledge in clinical research, good clinical practice guidelines, and opportunities for scholars to present their research progress to our expert mentor network.
Our program empowers scholars with essential skills for building professional networks, including membership in professional organizations and patient advocacy training. Scholars acknowledge POHER in their academic work and recognize their mentors as co-authors in publications.
Program Benefits
Program Benefits
Research Mentorship: Introduction to key principles in scientific research with personalized career guidance
Collaborative Learning: Work-in-progress meetings where scholars present research ideas to experts and peers
Conference Support: Guidance on research conference attendance, abstract development, and manuscript preparation
Professional Networks: Networking opportunities with peers and mentors across Africa for collaborative projects
Educational Opportunities: Access to online global health courses and career-related training
Leadership Development: Opportunities to help organize POHER's Annual Research and Mentorship Symposium
Advanced Training: Eligibility for the POHER-Mizzou global health research elective course
Please note: This program does NOT provide funding for medical school tuition.
Selection Criteria
Academic Status: Currently enrolled medical student in an African medical school (MD, MBBS, MBChB program or equivalent)
Research Interest: Demonstrated interest in research (prior experience not required)
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Commitment: Motivation to receive research and career mentorship
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Graduation Timeline: Graduation from medical school after January 2026
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Leadership Potential: Evidence of leadership capabilities and initiative
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Active Participation: Commitment to participate in all program activities, including virtual meetings and educational webinars
Program Contact Information
Email: pohersocialmedia@gmail.com
Next Application Cycle: Applications for 2027 will open in October 2026
For questions about the program, eligibility, or application process, please contact us at the email above.
Meet 2026 POHER Scholars
Ngong Atem Akol
Northern Africa
Suez University Faculty of Medicine
Egypt
Deng Ajou Luol
Northern Africa
Suez University Faculty of Medicine
Egypt
Amanuel Takele Ketsela
Eastern Africa
Haramaya University
Ethiopia
Joyeuse Uwamahoro
Eastern Africa
University of Rwanda
Rwanda
Kengne Djidjou
Central Africa
School of Health and Medical Science Catholic University of Cameroon, CATUC Bamenda
Cameroon
Yannick Mbietow Nouchamboh
Central Africa
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea
Cameroon
Masuba Kanyakula
Southern Africa
The Copperbelt University Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine
Zambia
Cyrus Kalulu
Southern Africa
The Copperbelt University Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine
Zambia
Isaac Fred Lungu
Southern Africa
University of Lusaka
Zambia
Sandra Waterwood Acquah
Western Africa
University of Cape Coast
Ghana
Godswill Uzoechina
Western Africa
University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital
Nigeria
Our Alums Impact
Our POHER alums are leaders and emerging leaders in health, education, and research across the globe. They continue to make significant contributions through academic excellence, impactful research, and community engagement. As mentors, advocates, and innovators, POHER alums uphold our mission of advancing equitable healthcare and education, creating a powerful network of changemakers shaping the future of African healthcare.