Call for 2026 United Nations Foundation Polio Press Fellowship for Individual Reporting in Polio-affected Countries is open now !!!
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.
Get the Youth Opportunities iOS App here for the fully-funded opportunities.
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.
Youth Opportunities invites you to join your preferred channel to get the latest updates directly to your messenger inbox.
- Youth Opportunities: https://m.me/j/AbZTmgEzD1UchDte/
- Fully Funded Conferences: https://m.me/j/AbZTfhFTiPCnXf2D/
- Full Scholarships: https://m.me/j/AbbrjbkOMM6I68Cs/
- Paid Internships/Jobs: https://m.me/j/AbaAskb6jFFnRser/
- Circle: https://m.me/j/AbY0vVKSPJULUnE4/
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.
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.
Location:
AfricaBenefits
- 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.
- Individual awards are available for up to $7,000.
- Journalists will get an opportunity to cover stories in polio affected countries.
Eligibilities
- Applicants are expected to demonstrate adequate experience producing and publishing similar news content for reputable global or national outlets.
- Journalists from diverse backgrounds and of all nationalities are welcomed. While stories may be published in any language, working English proficiency is necessary to participate in the fellowship interviews, training, and other required activities.
- 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.
Application Process
- 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.
Application Deadline: January 8, 2026
Application ClosedOfficial link
