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GSK has announced a new scholarship fund to support the training and development of the next generation of leaders in global health, and strengthen the capacity of health systems in Africa.
Thirty new scholarships will be awarded over ten years to students from sub-Saharan Africa, thanks to a Kes 167 million (£1.3 million) gift to the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine from GSK.
The Sir Andrew Witty GSK Scholarships recognise retired CEO Sir Andrew’s commitment to addressing health challenges in Africa.
Scholars will study in London towards a one-year Master’s degree on a health topic, such as infectious disease control or global mental health, at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, a world-leading centre for research and post-graduate education. Tuition fees and a tax-free living allowance will be funded by GSK.
GSK quote: “Our commitment to Africa has a strong focus on capability development. GSK’s academic investments focus on building local scientific, technical, manufacturing, and public health skills and capabilities in order to strengthen local healthcare capacity. The Sir Andrew Witty GSK Scholarships open to scholars in Kenya, will support this commitment by empowering future generations of African global health leaders”.
Professor Peter Piot, Director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: “The Sir Andrew Witty GSK Scholarships will play an important role in supporting the next generation of public and global health leaders in Africa. The MSc programme will equip them with the expertise to improve health services in their countries and communities, and will strengthen the continent’s capacity to respond to the important and changing health challenges it faces.”
These scholarships build on GSK’s deep-rooted commitment to Africa to drive sustainable access and innovation; to encourage collaborative research into diseases that disproportionately affect Africa and developing countries; to support communities to strengthen their health systems; and form partnerships with governments, NGOs and other companies to amplify our efforts.