UEFA and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, have joined forces to launch an innovative vaccine awareness campaign that harnesses the unifying power of football to build trust in immunisation across Africa. With the support of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and its member associations, the initiative—called Goal Getters—will use youth football tournaments to teach children about the role of vaccines in protecting against deadly diseases.
The campaign was formally launched this week in Eswatini at the Somhlolo National Stadium in Lobamba, during the national phase of the CAF African Schools Football Championship. Around 400 children aged 10 to 14 paused their matches to participate in a lively vaccine awareness workshop that blended football, music, and local culture to make the subject engaging and accessible.
Delivered in partnership with the global health non-profit Access Challenge, Goal Getters is pioneering a new way of communicating with young people about immunisation. Football icons such as UEFA ambassador and former England international Eniola Aluko, alongside local singers, entertainers, health officials, and faith leaders, came together to highlight the importance of vaccines.
“Goal Getters shows football’s incredible potential to drive positive change across society. By teaching young footballers about the life-saving power of vaccines, we’re also delivering the same messages to their families and communities,” said Aluko.
The need for greater awareness is particularly pressing in Eswatini, where many children live in remote areas with limited access to health services. In 2022, one in four children did not receive a full course of routine childhood vaccines. This week’s workshop built on last year’s school-based immunisation drive, which vaccinated thousands of children against human papillomavirus (HPV) and COVID-19 while also providing nutrition and deworming services.
“In 25 years, Gavi has helped protect over one billion children, yet some are still being left behind,” said Dr Pascal Barollier, Chief Engagement and Information Officer at Gavi. “Our partnership with UEFA and the support of CAF reflects our commitment to protecting every child from preventable diseases through innovative, community-based approaches that build trust and tackle barriers to immunisation.”
Access Challenge CEO Asad Lilani echoed the importance of youth-led action, noting: “Empowering youth is one of the most powerful ways to build healthier communities. This workshop demonstrates how football – one of Africa’s greatest uniting forces – can drive vaccine confidence and inspire collective action.”
The campaign is part of a wider strategic partnership between CAF and UEFA through UEFA Together, an international programme that shares expertise and resources with football confederations worldwide. CAF Director of Member Associations Sarah Makuna welcomed the initiative, stressing how sport can extend beyond the pitch to positively impact the health and future of Africa’s youth.
UEFA Deputy General Secretary for International Affairs Zoran Lakovic said: “Through our UEFA Together partnership with CAF, we’re proud to join forces with Gavi to promote vital health awareness at the CAF African Schools Football Championship. Football brings this message to life, inspiring young people and building opportunities that reach far beyond the pitch.”
This week’s launch builds on a successful pilot project in Tanzania in January 2025, when players at the inaugural CAF Under-17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament (GIFT) learned about the HPV vaccine. Teams from across East Africa shared creative ideas on spreading awareness in their own communities, culminating in vibrant performances that celebrated both football and culture.
Looking ahead, Goal Getters will continue to expand its reach, with another workshop planned for the CAF Under-17 GIFT tournament in December, where the focus will once again be on raising awareness of the HPV vaccine and its role in protecting young women from cervical cancer.
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