Journalists Invited to Report on Polio Eradication in Africa Through UN Foundation Fellowship

The United Nations Foundation is seeking applications for its 2025 Polio Press Fellowship, offering journalists a unique opportunity to report on the critical efforts to eradicate polio across Africa. This fellowship aims to raise global awareness about the ongoing fight against polio and its connection to broader health initiatives.

Key Takeaways

Journalists can receive funding to travel to polio-affected regions in Africa.
The fellowship supports reporting on polio eradication, including challenges and advancements.
Applications are open to journalists of all nationalities with basic English proficiency.

Fellowship Details

The fellowship provides selected journalists with funding to travel independently to African countries at the forefront of polio eradication. Participants will first engage in virtual training sessions on polio. They will then have the opportunity to gather stories and conduct interviews with various stakeholders, including polio survivors, healthcare workers, community members, and health authorities. While preference is given to reporting from Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Niger, Nigeria, Madagascar, and Mozambique, proposals for other African nations will also be considered.

Reporting Themes and Eligibility

Journalists are encouraged to explore themes such as innovations in polio vaccination and surveillance, the impact of gender on polio efforts, barriers to reaching unvaccinated children, and the influence of global challenges like climate change, misinformation, conflict, and urbanization on eradication progress. Projects can span various media platforms, including print, photography, audio, and video, for publication in reputable outlets. Applicants must demonstrate prior experience in producing and publishing similar news content. Freelance journalists and multi-person teams are welcome to apply, though the maximum award amount remains the same for joint proposals.

Funding and Application Process

Funding for the fellowship is provided by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, with award categories ranging from under $5,000 to up to $10,000, depending on project needs. Applicants must submit a detailed project proposal and budget, outlining anticipated travel expenses, visa fees, accommodation, and interpretation costs. While the UN Foundation will provide a letter of support for visa applications, fellows are responsible for securing their own visas and necessary authorizations.

Timeline

Applications are due by January 3, 2025. Selected fellows will be notified in early February 2025, with mandatory virtual training sessions scheduled for late February 2025. Reporting trips are expected to be completed by the end of June 2025.

About the UN Foundation

The United Nations Foundation has been instrumental in fostering partnerships and driving innovations to support the United Nations in addressing global challenges for over 25 years.