Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026 United Nations Foundation Polio Press Fellowship. Journalists passionate about reporting on polio eradication efforts in countries still battling the disease have a unique opportunity to apply for this fellowship. The program is designed specifically for individual reporters interested in covering compelling stories from regions where polio remains a critical public health challenge.
Selected fellows will first participate in a series of comprehensive virtual training sessions focused on polio. Following this preparation, they will be granted funding to independently visit one—or potentially two—countries actively engaged in polio eradication initiatives. During their reporting trips, journalists will conduct interviews and gather narratives from a variety of sources, including polio survivors, healthcare professionals, local community members, families affected by polio, and public health officials. This firsthand reporting aims to deepen the global understanding of the ongoing battle against polio.
The fellowship prioritizes applicants who wish to report from one of eight focus countries, which currently represent key fronts in the fight against polio:
- Papua New Guinea
- Angola
- Chad
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Ethiopia
- Namibia
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
Eligibility and Application Details
Journalists interested in this opportunity must submit a complete application package that includes a detailed project proposal and a budget outline. The proposal should highlight the applicant’s specific perspective and interest in polio eradication. Suggested themes for coverage include, but are not limited to:
- Innovations and progress in polio vaccination campaigns and disease surveillance
- The intersection of gender issues and polio impact
- Challenges preventing vaccination of children
- How polio eradication efforts contribute to wider public health objectives
- The effects of global factors such as climate change, misinformation, urban growth, and armed conflict on efforts to eliminate polio
Fellowship Benefits and Award Details
Those chosen as fellows will receive financial support enabling them to travel independently to a selected country. If budget permits and if both countries are within Africa, the fellow may be allowed to visit two countries. The fellowship’s awards offer up to $7,000 for individual recipients to cover travel and reporting expenses. This funding aims to facilitate immersive, on-the-ground journalism to amplify the often underreported stories surrounding polio eradication.
Important Dates and Timeline
| Milestone | Deadline/Date |
|---|---|
| Application Submission Deadline | Wednesday, January 7, 2026 |
| Notification of Selected Fellows | Late February 2026 |
| Mandatory Virtual Training Sessions | Late March 2026 |
| Reporting Trips Completion | By Mid-September 2026 |
For those seeking further clarification or assistance throughout the application process, inquiries can be directed via email to poliofoundation@unfoundation.org.
To learn more about the program and to submit your application, please Visit the Official Webpage of the United Nations Foundation Polio Press Fellowship.
