In 2025, 14 journalists from around the world participated in the UN Foundation polio press fellowship program to conduct in-depth reporting on this often-overlooked disease in African countries where polio remains a threat. Reporting grants, made possible with the support of the Gates Foundation, enabled journalists to travel to countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Nigeria to gain insights on the impact of polio on communities and to tell the story of the people driving efforts to eradicate the disease. See below for stories and podcasts published in outlets including Al Jazeera, Devex, Le Monde, El País, and Nature Africa and in multiple languages, including French and Spanish, in addition to English.
The following journalists from around the world participated in the 2025 Polio Press Fellowship for Individual Reporting:
“This fellowship was a defining experience in my reporting journey and my first time reporting from Africa. The program gave me rare access, time, and editorial support to report a story with depth and sensitivity. It expanded my perspective on global health reporting and strengthened my confidence to report across borders with care and rigor.”
“The fellowship provided an amazing opportunity for me to gather stories in the field. After years of virtual reporting on global health issues, I jumped at the chance to receive support for in-person reporting. The fellowship offers practical resources, and access to contacts and training, to help reporters tell better, science-based stories.”
“The fellowship was an eye-opener for me. Despite being a journalist for 15 years, the program showed me how critical it is to understand medical facts for effective reporting on polio. My understanding of all aspects of polio and immunization was enriched by this fellowship and the support it provided for my reporting in Mozambique.”
“When I applied for the fellowship, I knew nothing about polio. I discovered inspiring stories and major issues that receive little media coverage, such as the fight against misinformation. I am very happy to have participated in this program, which enabled me to finance my travel and meet people who left a lasting impression on me.”
“The opportunity for embedded, on-the-ground reporting is increasingly challenging to secure. Through this fellowship, I was able to travel to Nigeria, report alongside WHO officials, interview scientists and health professionals across the globe, and explore innovative solutions and tools making a critical impact toward polio eradication.”
