Deadline: January 1, 2024
Applications are open for the UN Foundation Polio Press Fellowship 2024. The fellowship is geared towards journalists interested in reporting stories on polio eradication throughout the world.
Selected fellows are expected to participate in a virtual polio training conducted by the UN Foundation before traveling to a country at the forefront of the polio eradication effort to gather content and interviews related to their proposed topic. On completion of the trip, fellows are expected to publish their work through reputable media outlets. Both international and local reporters with proven experience publishing in national and/or global outlets are encouraged to apply.
Background
Polio is a highly contagious disease that primarily affects children under the age of five and can cause paralysis and even death. Due to comprehensive eradication efforts, including an effective vaccine, global detection and reporting networks, robust government investment, and dedicated health workers, polio cases have decreased dramatically worldwide – down more than 99% since 1988 – and global polio eradication is within sight.
The goal of this fellowship is to provide professional journalists with the means to travel to areas affected by polio and gather stories to raise global awareness about the importance of polio eradication work as well as the ways in which polio infrastructure can contribute to broader health goals.
Benefits
- Each selected fellow will receive an award, not to exceed $10,000 USD, to cover expenses for an individual reporting trip in the first half of 2024, based on the project and budget proposal included in their application. Covered expenses may include transportation, accommodations, food, visas, and other travel costs. Awards may not be used to purchase equipment.
- Two award categories are available, small awards (under $5,000) or large awards (up to $10,000).
Eligibility
- Open to journalists interested in reporting stories on polio eradication throughout the world;
- Preference will be given to reporters interested in traveling to the following high-priority countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Mozambique, Pakistan, Somalia, and Yemen.
Application
Applications must be submitted by January 1, 2024. Selected fellows will be notified in January. Reporting trips should be completed by July 2024.
Interested reporters are asked to submit an application including a project proposal and budget. To submit your project proposal, please visit our application page. Applications should reflect each journalist’s unique interest in polio eradication and may involve themes such as: advancements in polio vaccination and surveillance; polio eradication as a part of health security; how polio programming is contributing to broader health goals; the relationship between gender and polio; and polio eradication in complex environments and remote areas.
For more information, visit UN Foundation Polio Press Fellowship.
