Arafa Maliki — Staying Protected Through School Immunization
At Mkwajuni Secondary School in Zanzibar, Arafa Maliki, a Form Four
student, smiles as she recalls the day she received her Tetanus (TT)
vaccine. “Health care providers visited our school and first taught us
about the TT vaccine,” she says. “They explained how it protects us
from Tetanus a dangerous infection caused by germs that can enter
the body through cuts or wounds. After learning about it, I felt
confident and got my vaccine. I’m happy I did.”
Arafa believes every student should understand the importance of
immunization. “Vaccines like TT protect us, especially as girls, from
infections that can affect us later in life or during childbirth,” she
explains. “I tell my classmates and parents that vaccines are safe they
keep our bodies healthy and strong.”
With support from the Mastercard Foundation through the SLL Project,
adolescent immunization programs in schools are empowering students
like Arafa to stay protected, informed, and ready for a healthier future.
Communications Specialist with 7+ years in public health and development, focused on strategic storytelling and digital engagement.
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