Scoping review of public health emergency management training programmes and curricula in Africa (2000-2025): implications for policy, practice and research.

OBJECTIVES: This study mapped the landscape of public health emergency management (PHEM) training programmes and curricula in Africa from 2000 to 2025 to identify trends, strengths and persistent gaps. DESIGN: The study was conducted following the Arksey and O'Malley framework, refined by Levac et al, and reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed databases, including Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus and CINAHL, was conducted in September 2025. Additional non-indexed resources were obtained from organisational repositories and websites of regional public health organisations, African Journals Online and Google Scholar. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Peer-reviewed articles, technical reports, theses and organisational publications published between 2000 and 2025 that described the design, delivery, implementation or evaluation of PHEM training programmes in Africa were included in the study. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Data were extracted using a standardised form capturing programme characteristics, competencies, delivery modalities, evaluation methods, outcomes and challenges. Qualitative data were analysed thematically and mapped against the review objectives. RESULTS: Of 334 records identified, 32 met the inclusion criteria. Training initiatives ranged from short courses to fellowships and degree programmes, with a predominant focus on epidemic management. Critical domains such as leadership, humanitarian response, One Health, diagnostics and gender equity were under-represented. Few programmes reported formal competency assessments or long-term evaluation outcomes. Key challenges identified included reliance on donor funding, weak institutional ownership, poor integration with academic systems and limited sustainability. Emerging needs included training in the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment, the use of digital health technologies and integration of the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. CONCLUSION: PHEM training in Africa remains heavily oriented towards epidemic response, with insufficient emphasis on complex emergencies. Strengthening workforce resilience requires comprehensive and sustainably financed curricula.