The UN Foundation Polio Press Fellowship 2026 is now open for journalists who want to report impactful stories on global polio eradication efforts. This fellowship supports in-depth field reporting in countries where polio remains a threat and provides funding of up to $7,000 for independent travel and production costs.
This opportunity is designed for journalists committed to public-interest storytelling and raising global awareness about the final push toward ending polio worldwide.
About the Fellowship
The fellowship helps journalists travel to the frontline of polio eradication to gather real stories from survivors, health workers, families, community leaders, and government authorities. Selected fellows will first join virtual polio-focused training sessions organized by the UN Foundation before beginning their reporting trips.
Journalists are encouraged to propose unique angles related to polio eradication, including:
- Vaccination strategies and innovations
- Gender and health access
- Challenges in reaching unvaccinated children
- Health system strengthening
- How conflict, misinformation, climate change, and urbanization affect eradication efforts
Stories must be published in reputable national or international media outlets.
Preferred Reporting Locations
Applications are especially encouraged from journalists willing to travel to one of the following priority countries:
- Angola
- Chad
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Ethiopia
- Namibia
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Papua New Guinea
Journalists may travel to one country, or two countries within Africa, depending on the proposal and budget.
Also Apply For: Merck Group Innovation Cup 2026 (up to €20,000)
Funding & What It Covers
Each selected journalist will receive up to $7,000.
This funding can be used for:
- Travel and transportation
- Visa fees and authorizations
- Accommodation
- Interpretation support
- Local reporting expenses
Fellows are responsible for their own travel arrangements and visas, but the UN Foundation will provide a support letter if needed.
Who Can Apply?
This fellowship is open to journalists from all nationalities, including freelancers, who meet these requirements:
- Proven experience publishing with national or global media outlets
- Strong reporting background in health or public-interest topics
- Working proficiency in English (for interviews and training sessions)
- Ability to provide a clear project proposal and detailed budget
Projects can be produced in print, audio, video, or photography, but the fellowship does not support books, feature films, or fiction.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- A detailed story proposal
- A complete budget breakdown
- Samples of previous work
- Proof of professional reporting experience
Proposals must reflect personal insight, originality, and a strong understanding of the global polio context.
Timeline
- Application Deadline: January 7, 2026
- Shortlisted Candidates Notified: February 2026
- Virtual Training Sessions: Late March 2026
- Reporting Trips: April – mid-September 2026
About the UN Foundation
The UN Foundation has partnered with the United Nations for over 25 years to drive solutions to global challenges, support humanitarian efforts, and strengthen international cooperation. The Polio Press Fellowship is supported by funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
For more information, visit the UN Foundation Polio Reporting Fellowship.
