The United Nations Foundation is inviting applications for the 2026 Polio Press Fellowship, designed for journalists interested in reporting on polio eradication efforts in affected countries.
Selected journalists will take part in virtual training sessions and receive funding (up to USD 7,000) to independently travel to report from countries at the forefront of polio eradication. Stories may feature polio survivors, health workers, families, community leaders, and health authorities.
Priority countries
Angola, Chad, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea.
Who can apply
- Professional journalists (staff or freelance) with a proven publication record
- Open to all nationalities; diversity encouraged
- Working proficiency in English required
- Projects across print, photo, audio, or video are welcome
Project focus may include
- Innovations in vaccination and surveillance
- Gender and polio
- Barriers to reaching unvaccinated children
- Polio’s contribution to broader health systems
- Effects of climate change, misinformation, conflict, and urbanisation
What to submit
- Project proposal
- Detailed travel budget (transport, visa, accommodation, interpretation, etc.)
Key notes
- Funding cannot be used for books, feature films, fiction, or equipment
- Fellows arrange their own travel and visas (support letter provided)
- Travel may cover one country, or two African countries if budget allows
Timeline
- Application deadline: Wednesday, 7 January 2026
- Notification: Late February 2026
- Virtual training: Late March 2026
- Reporting period: By mid-September 2026
📧 Questions: PolioPressFellowship@unfoundation.org