U-REPORTERS have leaped into action to encourage Gabonese people to get vaccinated

As part of an intensive vaccination campaign organized in Gabon from the 4th to the 13th of July, the UNICEF Gabon office has called on its U-REPORTERS to encourage the population to get vaccinated. The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic left many people with doubts about vaccines and their safety, so U-REPORTERS started to raise awareness about their importance.

For this first event, the U-REPORTERS travelled through all the neighborhoods of Libreville in which people are reluctant to get vaccinated. For three days, they explained to parents why getting their children vaccinated is important, what vaccines are available, and more.

Before heading out into the field, the U-REPORTERS took part in a capacity-building session about immunization organized by UNICEF and WHO. This was an opportunity for them to learn more about vaccination so that they can dispel any doubts or reluctance amongst parents to vaccinate their children. This consisted of three intensive days in the field.

"People were receptive. They listened to us. They were happy to talk to us. We're proud to have been able to make our contribution and to reach every child. And as we are young people from their neighborhoods, it's easier to approach them", said Dominique Charlier, on of the team leader

This experience is an example of UNICEF relaunching the UREPORT platform. Our goal is to reach 15,000 U-REPORTERS by the end of the year. There's a long way to go, but young people in Gabon are eager to act. The UNICEF office plans to extend this experience to other areas of children's rights, with the aim of leaving no child behind.

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