2 November 2021, Damascus – The latest data from Syria depict that people hospitalized with severe forms of COVID-19 and those who died from its consequences were unvaccinated. It is not surprising, as currently, only 6.2% of the population have received vaccination. If the vaccines in the projected pipeline will be delivered in the coming months, only 16% of the total population could be fully vaccinated by the end of 2021. 

Tackling vaccine hesitancy and increasing vaccine uptake by schoolteachers and administration, as well as helping children to adhere to preventive measures and promote healthy lifestyle has been on agenda of a WHO-supported workshop for Syrian health educators last week.

“In some areas of the governorate where I come from, we witness the refusal to receive the COVID-19 vaccine due to the spread of rumours and misinformation. The workshop brought together health educators to discuss the common issues we face with regards to vaccination and preventive measures in schools. Now, I feel more knowledgeable on how to address these rumours and how to promote healthy behaviour among teachers and children more effectively,” said Dr Elias Zahlouq, Head of School Health Department in Idlib and Health Supervisor of School Health in Hama. 

Speakers and experts from WHO and the Syrian Ministry of Education shared the latest developments in COVID-19 vaccination and preventive measures, mental health, healthy nutrition, tobacco prevention, personal hygiene. Participants – heads of health departments and health education officials – from all Syrian governorates were involved in interactive discussions and will further train local school health educators on how to effectively promote healthy lifestyles using WHO information resources to children and teachers.

Dr Hatoun Al-Tawashi, Director of School Health Department, said, “Health education has a vital role in preventing the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. We need to continue raising health awareness among students and promote healthy lifestyles to prevent the spread of COVID-19.” 

Following the workshop, the Ministry of Education plans to launch a country-wide awareness raising campaign on COVID-19 vaccination among teachers and promoting healthy practices in schools.