UNICEF and LSRC join forces to enhance health outcomes through U-Report and sport

Maseru, Lesotho, 5 September 2024 – In a concerted effort to address the low vaccine uptake in the districts of Maseru, Berea, Leribe, and Mohale’s Hoek, a new initiative has been launched that integrates sports activities with the U-Report digital platform. This project, made possible by the generous financial support from USAID, is a collaboration between the Lesotho Sport and Recreation Commission (LSRC) and UNICEF. It aims to increase vaccination rates among youth and the broader community, with the initiative expected to run until December 2024.

This partnership supports the Ministry of Health in its mission to extend health services, particularly to adolescents and young people, through the combined efforts of U-Report and sports initiatives. The project’s objectives are to raise vaccine awareness and increase uptake by leveraging the appeal of sports, which will serve as a platform to educate communities on the importance of vaccinations, dispel prevalent myths, and provide direct access to vaccines. Additionally, the initiative aims to promote overall health and well-being by encouraging physical activity and healthy lifestyles through sports, while simultaneously offering information on nutrition, mental health, and preventive healthcare. Furthermore, by engaging the community through the U-Report platform, the project seeks to gather real-time feedback to understand barriers to vaccination and inform data-driven policy and program development.

Sports events, including tournaments and physical activity challenges, will be organized across the target districts, attracting diverse community members regardless of gender, ability, religion, or ethnicity. These events will not only foster physical fitness and mental well-being but will also serve as an opportunity for healthcare professionals to provide on-site vaccinations and health screenings. Interactive sessions with U-Report ambassadors will further engage participants, allowing young people to voice their concerns and opinions on vaccination and other health issues through the U-Report platform.

Highlighting the significance of the partnership, UNICEF Lesotho Country Representative, Deepak Bhaskaran, remarked “Sports offer a powerful avenue to connect with children, families, and communities, making it an ideal platform for health education. By integrating sports programs, we can effectively raise awareness about the importance of immunization, encourage healthy lifestyles, and promote regular health check-ups, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes.” 

The project is a collaborative effort involving local sports clubs, schools, community organizations, and health authorities, with strong support from the Ministry of Health. This partnership aims to tackle vaccine hesitancy and enhance public health outcomes in the targeted districts.