Youth as ambassadors to boost vaccination & public health in the community

Mr Louis Lim, Incoming President, Rotary Club of Singapore

Interactors, Rotaractors and Rotarians,

1. Good morning, I am delighted to be here at the launch and first workshop for the Public Health Ambassadors Programme.

2. Thank you to all the members from Rotary Club for taking the time to participate in this meaningful effort, which is a joint collaboration between NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health and Rotary Club.

Partnering the community to build a caring and cohesive society

3. I would like to thank the Rotary Club of Singapore for their support in organising today's forum. Congratulations too, on this successful collaboration with NUS to launch the Public Health Ambassadors Programme. Through this joint effort, Rotary members will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to reach out to the public and boost our fight against the pandemic.

4. This commendable effort will also spur our battle against misinformation and misgivings about vaccines. Through sharing and spreading accurate and timely information about vaccinations, we can help people better understand that the vaccines are safe and why it is important to get vaccinated.

5. Since COVID-19 hit last year, many community groups and volunteers have come forward to help those affected by the pandemic, especially vulnerable groups like the seniors and migrant workers. These acts of kindness exemplify the Singapore spirit and have uplifted many lives during this challenging time.

6. The Public Health Ambassadors Programme is an excellent example of how the community, including the youth play a crucial role in bolstering Singapore's fight against the pandemic.

Youth in the community as a force to boost vaccination & public health

7. Our young people make excellent ambassadors with their passion, sincerity and dexterity. You are a natural influencer who can make a difference, especially to our seniors and to those who need more assurance about the efficacy and safety of vaccination.

8. Today's workshop will arm you with the necessary training in communication skills. You will also learn how to handle some tough questions and address different concerns about vaccination. I encourage you to learn as much as you can from the experts, and to support each other in this effort to increase the take-up of rate of vaccinations in our community.

9. We need as many people as possible, to be vaccinated and protected. You are instrumental in our war against doubts and misinformation about the vaccines. I trust that you will also gain new insights and understanding from this volunteer experience.

10. A big thank you once again, to all Interactors, Rotaractors and Rotarians, and our Public Health Ambassadors. Through your efforts and hard work, we can gain new ground against Covid-19 and help Singapore stay safe. Together, we can emerge stronger, for the better, in a brighter new normal. Thank you.