Call for Applications: 2026 United Nations Foundation Polio Press Fellowship for Individual Reporting in Polio-affected Countries

The United Nations Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2026 Polio Press Fellowship for Individual Reporting, geared towards journalists interested in covering stories on polio eradication in polio-affected countries.

Upon participating in a series of virtual polio training sessions, selected journalists will receive funding to travel independently to a country (or countries) at the forefront of the polio eradication effort to gather stories and interviews with polio survivors, health care workers, community members, families, and health authorities.

Preference will be given to reporters interested in traveling to the following eight countries:

• Angola
• Chad
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Ethiopia
• Namibia
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Papua New Guinea

Polio is a highly contagious disease that primarily affects children under the age of five and can cause paralysis and even death. Due to comprehensive eradication efforts—including an effective vaccine, global detection and reporting networks, robust government investment, and dedicated health workers—polio cases have decreased dramatically worldwide. Global polio eradication is in sight, as cases have dropped by 99.9% since 1988.

The final steps towards eradication, however, have proven to be the most challenging, and continued vigilance and action are needed to avoid a resurgence of polio in affected areas.

The goal of this fellowship is to provide professional journalists with the means to travel outside their countries of residence to areas affected by polio and gather stories to raise global awareness about the importance of polio eradication work as well as the ways in which polio infrastructure can contribute to broader health goals.

Application Information:

• Interested and eligible journalists must submit an application that includes a project proposal and budget. Applications should reflect each journalist’s unique interest in polio eradication and may involve themes such as: advancements and innovations in polio vaccination and surveillance; the relationship between gender and polio; barriers to reaching unvaccinated children; contributions of polio to broader health goals; and the impact of climate change, misinformation, urbanization, conflict, and other global challenges on polio eradication.
• We will consider projects across all media platforms (including print, photography, audio, and video) for publication by one or more national or international media outlets. This fellowship cannot be used to fund books, feature-length films, or works of fiction or to purchase equipment.
• Applicants are expected to demonstrate adequate experience producing and publishing similar news content for reputable global or national outlets.
• Selected journalists will receive funding to travel independently to one country (or potentially two countries, if both are in Africa and if the budget allows), at the discretion of the Fellowship application reviewers.
• We are committed to supporting journalists from diverse backgrounds and of all nationalities. While stories may be published in any language, working English proficiency is necessary to participate in the fellowship interviews, training, and other required activities.
• Freelance journalists with an established track record of publication in relevant content areas are welcome to apply.

Funding for this press fellowship is made possible through financial support from the Gates Foundation. Individual awards are available for up to $7,000. Applications must include a budget proposal with a cost breakdown for transportation, visa fees, accommodation, interpretation, and other travel expenses in their application.

Please note: Accepted fellows are responsible for making their own travel arrangements, including obtaining visas and any required authorizations for their selected reporting countries. While the UN Foundation will provide a letter of support for the journalist’s application, we are unable to intervene in visa/authorization processes.

Timeline:

• Applications received no later than Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
• Selected fellows notified by late February 2026.
• Mandatory virtual training sessions held in late March 2026.
• Reporting trips conducted by mid-September 2026.

Please contact [email protected] with any questions.

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About the UN Foundation

For over 25 years, the UN Foundation has built novel innovations and partnerships to support the United Nations and help solve global problems at scale. As an independent charitable organization, the Foundation was created to work closely with the United Nations to address humanity’s greatest challenges and drive global progress. Learn more at www.unfoundation.org.