Deadline: May 13, 2019.

The United Nations Foundation today announced a press fellowship to Nigeria focused on polio eradication during the week of July 22, 2019. Nigeria is one of only three remaining countries where polio has not been eliminated.

Five selected journalists will have a firsthand look into the front lines of eradicating one of the world’s most contagious diseases. Journalists will go on house visits with community health workers, witness routine immunization programs, and learn about emergency response. They will also hear directly from experts from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, including UNICEF and the World Health Organization, and local health officials.

Polio is a highly contagious disease that mostly affects children under the age of five. Due to comprehensive eradication efforts, including an effective vaccine, robust government investment, and dedicated health workers, polio has decreased dramatically worldwide. In 1998, polio impacted 350,000 people in 125 countries, and in 2018, just 33 cases of wild polio were reported in three countries, marking a 99.9% reduction in cases globally.

 

ELIGIBILITY

1. This press fellowship is intended for journalists who are interested in global health issues, including vaccines and disease prevention; foreign policy; and the work of the United Nations.

2. Journalists from all countries are welcome to apply.

 

APPLICATION

To apply, click here.

 

FURTHER ENQUIRY

Please contact Rachel Smidt (rsmidt@unfoundation.org) and Serena Jiwani (sjiwani@unfoundation.org).

 

OFFICIAL LINK

 

Click here to apply