UEFA and Gavi have launched a dynamic vaccine awareness campaign in Africa, using football to educate and inspire youth across the continent. I
UEFA and Gavi have launched a dynamic vaccine awareness campaign in Africa, using football to educate and inspire youth across the continent.
In a groundbreaking collaboration, UEFA and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, have joined forces to promote vaccine awareness in Africa through a campaign called Goal Getters.
This initiative harnesses the universal appeal of football to build trust in immunisation, especially among young people.
With the support of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the campaign is being rolled out at youth football tournaments, where children are taught about the life-saving power of vaccines in fun and engaging ways.
The campaign kicked off in Eswatini, where over 400 children aged 10–14 participated in a vaccine awareness workshop during the CAF African Schools Football Championship.
The event blended football, music, and local culture to make learning about vaccines interactive and memorable.
UEFA ambassador and former England international Eniola Aluko joined health officials, entertainers, and faith leaders to emphasise the importance of immunisation. By targeting young footballers, the campaign also reaches their families and communities, amplifying its impact.
Goal Getters is particularly vital in regions like Eswatini, where many children live in remote areas with limited access to healthcare. In 2022, one in four children in the country missed out on a full course of childhood vaccines.
The campaign builds on previous efforts, such as last year’s school-based immunisation drive that vaccinated thousands against HPV and COVID-19, while also offering deworming and nutrition services. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to holistic child health and community empowerment.
Dr Pascal Barollier, Chief Engagement and Information Officer at Gavi, highlighted the importance of innovative, community-based approaches to tackle vaccine hesitancy. “Empowering youth is one of the most powerful ways to build healthier communities,” he said.
UEFA’s involvement underscores football’s potential to drive social change, turning stadiums into platforms for public health education. As the campaign expands across Africa, it aims to protect more children from preventable diseases and foster a generation that understands and values immunisation.
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