Following successful activations in Tanzania and Eswatini, the Goal Getters campaign, a partnership between Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and UEFA under a broader UEFA–CAF collaboration, is now expanding to Zimbabwe.
The move marks a major scale-up of a continental effort that uses the power of football to inspire confidence, empowerment, and informed health choices among young people.
This latest activation comes at a critical moment. Cervical cancer remains one of the deadliest diseases affecting women, especially in lower-income countries, despite major global progress.
The HPV vaccine is one of the most effective tools against the disease, yet myths, fear, and limited access continue to hold many girls back from receiving protection.
Goal Getters aims to change that by creating safe, engaging spaces where young people can learn, ask questions, and build trust.
Reaching Girls Across Six Countries
The Zimbabwe Goal Getters workshop will engage close to 200 girls aged 14–17 from six African countries, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe who are participating in the second edition of CAF’s Under-17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament (GIFT).
Working alongside the Ministry of Health and Child Care, ZIFA, COSAFA, football coaches and influencers, the programme is designed to strengthen local ownership and leave lasting capacity within communities.
UEFA sees this as a powerful example of how sport can drive social change.
“Through our UEFA Together partnership with CAF, we are proud to continue our work with Gavi to promote essential health awareness through football,” said Zoran Lakovic, UEFA Deputy General Secretary for International Affairs.
“Each new activation of Goal Getters shows how powerful this approach can be inspiring young people, strengthening trust, and creating opportunities that reach far beyond the pitch.”
Blending Football, Music, and Health Education
At the heart of the event is a creative model that blends football drills, music, mentorship, and interactive dialogue to break down barriers that often prevent girls from seeking information about their health.
The HPV vaccine will be the central topic, approached through fun, relatable activities that encourage openness and curiosity.
This year’s workshop will also be strengthened by the presence of two influential former national team players:
England’s Eniola Aluko and South Africa’s Amanda Dlamini. Both athletes bring deep experience in using football as a tool for empowerment, particularly for young girls.
“Football teaches confidence, courage, and the power of making deliberate choices,” Aluko said.
“Through Goal Getters, we’re bringing those lessons directly to girls across Africa, giving them the space to ask questions, build trust, and take ownership of their futures.”
Dlamini echoed this sentiment with a message of self-care and collective strength:
“Having proudly worn the jersey and felt team unity, I know the incredible power of supporting each other, both during games and in everyday life. I want every girl to see that prioritising your health is among the bravest and most empowering choices you can make.”
Building on African Momentum
The campaign arrives at a time when global protection against cervical cancer is gaining momentum. Gavi has helped partner countries protect an estimated 86 million girls worldwide with the HPV vaccine, preventing up to 90% of potential cervical cancer cases.
More than one million future deaths have already been averted, a milestone Gavi hopes to build on by partnering more deeply with communities.
“Over 25 years, Gavi has helped protect over 1.2 billion children with lifesaving vaccines, yet too many young people are still left unprotected,” said Pascal Barollier, Gavi’s Chief Engagement & Information Officer.
“Goal Getters meets young people where they are with innovative, community-based approaches that build trust, tackle fake news, and empower through access to accurate, lifesaving information.”
CAF sees the programme as directly aligned with its commitment to developing girls’ football and nurturing leadership both on and off the pitch.
“Empowering young girls through football goes beyond just the game; it’s about developing their leadership skills and helping them make informed decisions that will shape their futures,” said Meskerem Tadesse, CAF Head of Women’s Football Development.
She noted that the campaign builds on the strong momentum from the Tanzania and Eswatini editions, reinforcing CAF’s long-term investment in opportunity and wellbeing under the leadership of President Dr Patrice Motsepe.
A Model for Health and Empowerment
By combining UEFA’s ability to drive social change through sport with Gavi’s mission to protect every child, Goal Getters showcases how football can unite communities, spark curiosity, and encourage confident decision-making.
With continued support from CAF and national health ministries, the programme is inspiring a new generation of girls to reject misinformation, embrace self-care, and lead healthier futures on and beyond the pitch.
Help us tell more untold stories of African Philanthropy!
