Call for Applications: 2026 UN Foundation Polio Press Fellowship | Up to $7,000 Grant | International Reporting Opportunity

The United Nations Foundation is currently accepting applications for the 2026 Polio Press Fellowship for Individual Reporting. This is a competitive opportunity for journalists passionate about global health to receive funding for independent travel to polio-affected countries.

Supported by the Gates Foundation, this fellowship aims to raise global awareness about the critical "last mile" of polio eradication. Selected fellows will receive up to $7,000 to cover travel and reporting costs, granting them the chance to interview survivors, health workers, and authorities at the forefront of this global effort.

This article provides all essential details regarding eligibility, priority countries, funding, and the application process.

About the Fellowship

The goal of this fellowship is to provide professional journalists with the means to travel outside their countries of residence to gather stories on polio eradication. Although polio cases have dropped by 99.9% since 1988, the final steps toward eradication remain the most challenging.

Fellows will participate in mandatory virtual training sessions in March 2026 before embarking on their reporting trips. The stories produced will highlight how polio infrastructure contributes to broader health goals and the urgency of preventing a resurgence.

Priority Reporting Locations

Preference will be given to reporters interested in traveling to and covering stories in the following eight countries:

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

Note: Selected journalists may receive funding to travel to one country (or potentially two in Africa, budget permitting).

Eligibility Criteria

The UN Foundation is committed to supporting journalists from diverse backgrounds and all nationalities.

Who Can Apply:

• Professional Journalists: Applicants must demonstrate adequate experience producing content for reputable global or national outlets.
• Freelancers: Freelance journalists with an established track record in relevant content areas are welcome.
• Language Skills: While stories can be published in any language, working English proficiency is required for training and interviews.

Accepted Media Formats:

• Print
• Photography
• Audio
• Video

Note: This fellowship cannot be used to fund books, feature-length films, fiction, or equipment purchases.

Funding & Benefits

This is a fully funded reporting opportunity.

• Grant Amount: Individual awards of up to $7,000 USD.
• Coverage: The budget must cover transportation, visa fees, accommodation, interpretation, and other travel expenses.
• Visa Support: Fellows are responsible for their own visa arrangements, though the UN Foundation will provide a letter of support.

Reporting Themes

Applicants must submit a project proposal. Suggested themes include:

• Advancements and innovations in polio vaccination.
• The relationship between gender and polio.
• Barriers to reaching unvaccinated children.
• The impact of climate change, conflict, and misinformation on eradication efforts.

Timeline & Key Dates

• Application Deadline: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
• Notification of Selection: Late February 2026
• Virtual Training: Late March 2026
• Reporting Trips: Must be conducted by mid-September 2026

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit an application that includes a project proposal and a budget breakdown.

Click the link below to apply directly via the official form:

Apply Here: 2026 Polio Press Fellowship Application Form

For any questions regarding the application, please contact: PolioPressFellowship@unfoundation.org

Don't miss this chance to contribute to one of the most significant public health achievements of our time.