While vaccinations for COVID-19 have been available since early 2021, many were still hesitant to be vaccinated. Low vaccination rates, which are disproportionately lower in females, explained by the less recognition given to women in this regard. In addition, most of the Gender Specific Jobs for males obligate their employees to take the vaccines as a requirement.
To mitigate these barriers, starting on November 2021, IHAO, with support from UNFPA, and funding from ECHO, has launched vaccination campaigns in coordination with the DoHs in Ninewa, Kirkuk, Salahdin, and Anbar. The campaigns aim to increase community awareness and to facilitate and encourage COVID-19 vaccination for women and couples in hard-to-reach areas.
