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.

Because of the UN:

• Smallpox has been wiped off the planet
• Stability has returned to war-torn countries
• The hole in the ozone has healed
• All 193 Member States came together to agree on 17 Sustainable Development Goals – humanity’s blueprint for a better world by 2030
• Many more

Moreover, 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. Despite this monumental progress, big challenges remain. Conflict and weak health systems threaten progress in the three countries where polio remains endemic – Nigeria, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Eradication will require increased investment and significant funding.

“Polio could become the second disease ever eradicated in history,” said Kate Dodson. Vice President of Global Health at the UN Foundation. “This is a critical part of the world’s global health story that will define how we respond to health threats for years to come.” Through United Nations Foundation fellowship, journalists will also explore how polio eradication can be built. Further, How the resilience of health systems through improved vaccine cold chains.  Additionally, foreign policy; also, the work of the United Nations. Journalists from all countries are welcome to apply.

Eligibility

• Open to journalists who are interested in global health issues,
• including vaccines and disease prevention;
• foreign policy; and the work of the United Nations;