Deadline: 07-Jan-2026
The United Nations Foundation Polio Press Fellowship for Individual Reporting supports professional journalists to report on polio eradication efforts in polio-affected countries. The fellowship provides up to $7,000 in funding, mandatory virtual training, and international reporting opportunities, with applications due by January 7, 2026.
The Polio Press Fellowship for Individual Reporting is an international journalism fellowship offered by the United Nations Foundation to support in-depth reporting on global polio eradication efforts. The programme enables journalists to travel outside their country of residence to produce high-quality stories that highlight progress, challenges, and innovations in the fight against polio and its connection to broader global health systems.
About the Polio Press Fellowship
This fellowship is designed to strengthen public understanding of polio eradication by empowering journalists to report directly from countries affected by polio. Fellows receive specialized training and financial support to produce impactful journalism that explains why polio eradication remains a global priority and how polio infrastructure contributes to wider public health goals.
Fellowship Objectives
The Polio Press Fellowship aims to achieve the following.
• Increase global awareness of polio eradication efforts
• Support accurate, field-based reporting from polio-affected regions
• Highlight how polio systems strengthen broader health initiatives
• Amplify voices of affected communities, health workers, and survivors
Key Reporting Focus Areas
Applicants are encouraged to propose projects aligned with one or more of the following thematic areas.
• Innovations and advancements in polio vaccination and surveillance
• Gender dimensions of polio eradication
• Barriers to reaching unvaccinated and underserved children
• Contributions of polio programmes to broader global health goals
• Impact of climate change, misinformation, urbanization, conflict, and displacement on polio eradication
Eligible Reporting Destinations
While proposals may focus on any polio-affected country, preference is given to journalists interested in reporting from the following locations.
• Angola
• Chad
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Ethiopia
• Namibia
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Papua New Guinea
What the Fellowship Provides
Selected fellows receive both professional development and financial support.
• Participation in mandatory virtual polio training sessions
• Funding of up to $7,000 per fellow
• Support to travel independently to one or more polio-affected countries
• A visa support letter from the United Nations Foundation
What the Fellowship Does Not Fund
The fellowship has clear funding limitations.
• Books or book-length projects
• Feature-length films
• Works of fiction
• Equipment purchases
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements.
• Professional journalists with experience producing published news content
• Demonstrated track record with reputable national or international media outlets
• Freelance journalists with an established portfolio are eligible
• Ability to propose a clear reporting project and realistic budget
• Willingness to participate in all required training sessions
Why This Fellowship Matters
Polio eradication is at a critical stage, with progress threatened by conflict, misinformation, climate impacts, and inequitable access to healthcare. By supporting on-the-ground journalism, the Polio Press Fellowship helps ensure accurate reporting, accountability, and public engagement while showcasing how polio eradication infrastructure strengthens global health systems beyond polio itself.
How the Fellowship Works
The fellowship follows a structured process from application to reporting.
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Applicants submit a detailed project proposal and reporting budget.
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Proposals are reviewed based on relevance, feasibility, and journalistic merit.
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Selected fellows participate in virtual training sessions on polio and global health reporting.
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Fellows independently plan and conduct international reporting trips.
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Stories are produced and published across approved media platforms.
Application Requirements
Applications must include the following components.
• A detailed reporting proposal focused on polio eradication
• A realistic travel and reporting budget
• Evidence of previous published journalism
• Clear explanation of interest in polio-related themes
Important Dates and Timeline
Application deadline: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Notification of selected fellows: Late February 2026
Mandatory virtual training sessions: Late March 2026
Reporting travel period: By mid-September 2026
Tips for a Strong Application
• Propose a focused, original reporting angle tied to real-world impact
• Demonstrate understanding of polio eradication challenges and opportunities
• Highlight access to relevant communities, experts, or regions
• Present a clear, practical budget aligned with reporting goals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Polio Press Fellowship?
It is a UN Foundation fellowship supporting journalists to report on polio eradication in affected countries.
How much funding is available?
Each fellow may receive up to $7,000 to support reporting and travel expenses.
Who funds the fellowship?
The fellowship is funded by the Gates Foundation.
What types of media are supported?
Projects may be produced in print, photography, audio, or video formats.
Can freelancers apply?
Yes, freelance journalists with an established track record are eligible.
Do fellows arrange their own travel?
Yes, fellows are responsible for travel logistics, visas, and permissions, with visa support letters provided.
Conclusion
The UN Foundation Polio Press Fellowship offers journalists a unique opportunity to report from the front lines of global health and contribute to the final push toward polio eradication. By combining funding, expert training, and international field reporting, the fellowship supports impactful journalism that informs the public and strengthens global health accountability.
For more information, visit United Nations Foundation.
The post RFPs: United Nations Foundation Polio Press Fellowship Program first appeared on fundsforNGOs.
