The programme will award mini-fellowships to print, radio, television, and online journalists (including freelancers) to research and report on global health issues, with a particular focus on issues related to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria. The purpose is to encourage in-depth reporting on the health, social, economic, political, and cultural implications of major public health issues and on the response to these challenges. Awards of up to US$10,000 will be given to journalists to cover travel and research expenses relating to a specific project of their choice for publication, broadcast, or online posting.


This programme is for journalists working for English-language news organisations with target audiences in North America and/or Europe. Priority will be given to projects otherwise unlikely to be undertaken or completed, projects focusing on issues that have not been reported or are under-reported, and projects which have a high likelihood of being published/aired/posted and of reaching a mass audience. Reporting projects can be local or international in scope, but should focus on public health concerns or responses that are of global relevance.


Each fellow will be awarded up to US$10,000, or a prorated amount based on individual project needs, to cover travel and research expenses. Applicants will need to submit a budget outline broadly defining the costs associated with their proposed project.


The deadline for application is October 23 2008.

Click here for more information.


There is no application form. To be considered, mail the following materials to the executive director:

• A detailed letter describing your reasons for applying; your career goals; a short outline of the reporting you would want to complete; and what you would aim to accomplish as a result of the fellowship.
• A brief description of your news organisation and its readership/audience.
• A budget outline.
• An estimated project timeframe.
• Curriculum vitae or resume.
• Where relevant, details of previous awards or fellowships.
• Examples of recent work (work samples will not be returned to applicants).
• One or more letters of support from other journalists familiar with your work, including a letter from your current senior editor or news director supporting your application (freelance journalists should send a letter of support from an editor, producer, or colleague familiar with your recent work). Letters can be emailed directly to Penny Duckham pduckham@kff.org or included in your application file.

Click here to access information about previous winners.

Emails from Erica Frenkel to The Communication Initiative on January 15 2008 and August 17 2008.