Olympic track star joins VOW campaign

In Global Advocacy, Global Featured, Vaccinate Our World by Fiona Ip

Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, recently joined forces with AHF and the Vaccinate Our World (VOW) call-to-action in a race to beat vaccine hesitancy and get lifesaving doses to as many people as possible continent-wide. The Kenyan Olympian urged people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in a VOW campaign video, which you can watch here!

Omanyala is the current African record holder and eighth fastest man of all time—both in the 100 meters. AHF broke the news of the partnership with the famous sprinter at a recent press conference in Nairobi.

“We are thrilled that Mr. Omanyala has agreed to collaborate with us on this vital vaccine initiative,” said AHF Kenya Country Program Director Dr. Samuel Kinyanjui. “With his help, we hope to spread the word continent-wide that COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and essential for ending the pandemic in Africa and globally.”

Along with the video, Omanyala will also engage in conversations with experts in medicine, research, and policy to decrease vaccine hesitancy that will be broadcast across multiple platforms.

“This vaccination campaign is important for all Africans, and I’m excited to partner with AHF in increasing awareness across the region,” added Omanyala. “We hope that this information reaches as many people as possible, letting everyone know that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the best way to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their communities. Because in an interconnected world, the pandemic has made one fact perfectly clear: No nation is safe if even one nation is left unprotected.”

Visit VaccinateOurWorld.org to learn more about the VOW call-to-action.

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