COVID-19 AWARENESS AND PERCEPTIONS Overall, the national vaccination platform received little traffic from Akkar, despite more engagement from stateless people compared to other marginalized groups, such as Syrian refugees. They both used the platform less than Lebanese because of their lack of concern and care about the virus, which was obvious on the field. • A clear majority of stateless respondents worry about not having access to proper healthcare in light of the current Covid-19 situation in the country (60%, compared to 54% for Lebanese). A sizable minority (22%, compared to 24% for Lebanese) say they are not that worried but take all the necessary precautions. A small minority (14%, compared to 17% for Lebanese) are not particularly concerned about Covid19. • An overwhelming majority of stateless respondents (84% compared to 78% for Lebanese) say they are not registered on the Covid-19 vaccine registration platform, either because: they do not want to get the vaccine (60%); they think that a stateless person cannot register (11%); they do not know that there is a platform (13%); or they do not know how to register (10%). • The unwillingness to get vaccinated seems to originate from: (1) a fear of side effects, (2) a general distrust toward pharmaceutical companies, and (3) an overall disbelief in the pandemic. When it comes to Covid-19, there are clear knowledge gaps among survey respondents, and hesitation, fear, distrust, and disbelief. • On the other hand, 4% of stateless respondents indicate having registered on the platform, and another 12% say they plan on registering. • Overall, stateless persons seem to be relatively more engaged in registration than other marginalized groups. By the end of April 2021, 134 Syrian refugees in Akkar were registered on the vaccine platform. With around 106,100 Syrian refugees in Akkar, half of whom are above 18, only 0.3% of adult Syrian refugees in Akkar were registered on the platform at that time - way below the figure from the survey of stateless persons. Fig 22. Are you worried about accessing healthcare during the pandemic? 4% 5% Other I am not concerned by Covid No, because I am being careful 17% 14% 24% 22% 54% 60% I am worried Lebanese in Akkar Stateless in Akkar Fig 23. Did you register on the vaccine platform? 84% 78% 12% 16% 4% No No, but I am going to Stateless in Akkar Source: • Impact Open Data. (n.d.). Retrieved May 20, 2021, from https://impact.gov.lb • UNHCR (2021), Retrieved May 20, 2021, from https://data2.unhcr.org/en/documents/details/82686 6% Yes Lebanese in Akkar © 2021 Siren Associates. All Rights Reserved.