14 November 2021 – This week, as key players in creating demand for vaccine, Syrian health care workers built their capacities and strengthened skills in managing vaccine hesitancy as part of the COVID-19 response.​ The interactive training organized by the Ministry of Health and WHO, in partnership with UNICEF, IFRC and SARC aims to identify and address issues that may affect vaccine uptake in the community – issues that include health workers’ personal concerns and beliefs about vaccination. 

“Availability and accessibility of COVID-19 vaccines do not automatically guarantee an effective rollout and uptake among the Syrian population. As more COVID-19 vaccines are delivered to Syria, all concerned sectors are joining hands to facilitate vaccine roll out and acceptance to reach the national target of 20% by the end of the year,” said Dr Akjemal Magtymova, Head of Mission and WHO Representative in Syria. 

Our collective work now is not limited to combating COVID-19, but also building national capacities and skills to address strategically vaccine hesitancy, rumours and misinformation that may pose an even more serious threat. Throughout the ongoing vaccination process and as more vaccines have become available, the health care workforce will play a critical role in supporting effective risk communication and community engagement to promote the safety and efficacy of vaccines to help increase the vaccination rates.