MBABANE – Eswatini has been selected as the first country in Africa to launch the Goal Getters initiative, a collaborative project between UEFA and GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance.
The details were disclosed yesterday by Chris Ewdean, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Head of Communications Content, during a press briefing at Sigwaca House.
The event was attended by local football figures, including Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Vice-President Steve Horton, Technical Director (TD) Bhekisisa ‘Bizzah’ Mkhonta, former Moneni Pirates player Nhlanhla ‘Madida’ Mabuza and Sihlangu winger Philani ‘Mkasabuli’ Mkhonta. Ewdean revealed that the partnership with GAVI will see the vaccination of over 400 children at the Somhlolo National Stadium tomorrow.
The initiative will be headlined by former Chelsea and England star, Eniola Aluko, who is at[1]tending as a UEFA ambassador. “We are leveraging the experience from UEFA to share with our sister federations, as we leverage CAF awareness in this drive,” Ewdean stated.
He emphasised that Eswatini is the first nation to benefit from this initiative, adding that its success will help other Confederation of African Football (CAF) member associations to learn from the model. Annette Wangong’u, Communications for GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, explained that their public-private partnership aims to ensure that no one is left behind with immunisation, protecting community health and giving children an equal chance at a healthier future.
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