UNICEF Enlists Katsina Religious Leaders for Child Health, Vaccination Drive

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is engaging religious leaders across Katsina State, Nigeria, to champion crucial child health and development initiatives. The 'Faith for Life' program seeks to leverage the influence of Imams, pastors, and other faith leaders to promote child vaccination, nutrition, education, and protection.

Launched in collaboration with the Katsina State Government, the initiative aims to integrate scriptural teachings from both the Bible and the Qur'an into community outreach. Dr. Ogu Enemaku, UNICEF's Social and Behavioural Change Specialist, explained that the program provides religious leaders with relevant messages to incorporate into their sermons and teachings. This approach encourages families to make informed decisions regarding the well-being of women and children.

Religious leaders are challenged to use their platforms to prevent avoidable deaths among children and pregnant women. Amaka Aninta, Deputy Director of Community Outreach and Development at the National Orientation Agency, emphasized that when religious teachings prioritize maternal and child protection, fewer children will succumb to vaccine-preventable diseases, and fewer mothers will face complications due to inadequate care or malnutrition.

The Acting Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Primary Health Care Agency, Dr. Shema’u Kabir Abba, lauded religious leaders as vital partners in driving positive behavioral change. She stressed that government efforts alone are insufficient to tackle primary healthcare challenges, highlighting the need for respected community voices to improve health and nutrition outcomes for mothers and children. The initiative encourages leaders to utilize Friday prayers, Islamic schools, and church services for sensitization on child protection, family welfare, and responsible parenting.

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