Former England international Eni Aluko was in attendance as a new UEFA-led initiative launched in Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania.
Aluko joined the programme – launched in conjunction with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) – as an ambassador during an inspiring week which saw a host of competitive football, grassroots events and education workshops delivered to more than 100 girls.
The Tanzanian Football Federation welcomed the girls – aged seven to 12 – to a pioneering grassroots event and for many, it was their first-ever football session.
The inaugural CAF Under-17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament gave talented young players and match officials to gain experience of a tournament atmosphere as clubs from the host nation were joined by teams from Burundi, Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda.
Each of the participating teams, and their respective national associations, also received a UEFA Together donation of 100 footballs, pairs of goalkeeper gloves and sports bras – vital equipment to support ongoing development of the sport.
“It's vital that young girls have access to the HPV vaccine so that they can reach their potential, stay healthy and thrive both on and off the pitch,” said Aluko.
“It was great to see the players and teams developing fun and engaging ways to educate others on the vaccine, and I really hope this continues.”
UEFA Together and the CAF also joined forces with Gavi the Vaccine Alliance and global NGO Girl Effect to deliver a health workshop – supported by the Tanzanian Ministry of Health – for each of the competing teams.
The programme raised awareness of HPV, the most common cause of cervical cancer, with each team developing ways to inform their local communities about the risks of the viral infection.
“It is inspiring to see the worlds of football and global health come together to ensure girls have the knowledge they need to protect their health and thrive, regardless of their circumstances,” added Emily Kobayashi, head of HPV Programme, Gavi the Vaccine Alliance.
“Rates of cervical cancer are highest in Africa, which means we need to make sure all girls here have access to the best defence.”