2026 United Nations Foundation Polio Press Fellowship for Individual Reporting in Polio-Affected Countries

Application Deadline: January 7, 2026

The United Nations Foundation (UNF) invites applications for the 2026 Polio Press Fellowship for Individual Reporting, a prestigious opportunity for journalists passionate about advancing global health reporting. This fellowship supports media professionals interested in covering impactful stories around polio eradication efforts in countries still affected by the disease.

About the Fellowship

The UN Foundation Polio Press Fellowship aims to amplify stories that shed light on the ongoing global fight against polio and the communities driving progress. Selected journalists will participate in a series of virtual training sessions on polio reporting, after which they will receive grants of up to $7,000 to travel independently to one or more countries leading the charge toward eradication.

These fellowships empower journalists to produce in-depth, human-centered stories from the frontlines of public health. Fellows will explore the experiences of polio survivors, healthcare workers, families, community leaders, and government officials, uncovering both the challenges and triumphs of vaccination campaigns and disease surveillance efforts.

Eligible Countries

While applications are open globally, preference will be given to journalists proposing travel to one of the following eight countries central to the polio eradication initiative:

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

Fellowship Requirements

Applicants must submit a comprehensive proposal and budget outlining their intended reporting project. Proposals should demonstrate a clear journalistic interest in polio eradication and how the story will contribute to public awareness and understanding of global health challenges.

Suggested themes include:

• Innovations in polio vaccination and disease surveillance
• The intersection of gender and health in polio eradication efforts
• Overcoming barriers to reach unvaccinated children
• The contribution of polio programs to broader health systems
• The impact of climate change, misinformation, urbanization, and conflict on eradication efforts

Benefits

Selected journalists will receive individual travel grants of up to $7,000, allowing them to conduct independent field reporting. In some cases, fellows may cover two African countries if the budget permits.

Beyond financial support, fellows benefit from mentorship, global exposure, and professional development opportunities through the UN Foundation network. Their reporting will help shape narratives on resilience, science, and international collaboration in public health.

Application Timeline

• Application deadline: January 7, 2026
• Fellow selection announcement: Late February 2026
• Mandatory virtual training: Late March 2026
• Field reporting period: By mid-September 2026

How to Apply

Interested journalists are encouraged to prepare a well-researched proposal detailing their reporting vision, target country (or countries), and how the fellowship will enhance their ability to tell impactful stories.

Applications must be submitted before January 7, 2026, to be considered. For inquiries or technical assistance, email: PolioPressFellowship@unfoundation.org.

For additional information and detailed guidelines, CLICK HERE 

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