A Spiritual Bridge to Vaccination: The Alliance of Religious Leaders with RAISE 4 Sahel

By successfully mobilizing religious and traditional leaders, holding this meeting has established an inclusive framework for discussion. This exchange has fostered collaboration between religious leaders, community members, and health actors with the sole aim of joining forces to promote child vaccinations in humanitarian contexts.

The workshop on Islamic and Christian arguments for vaccination took place from November 19 to 23, 2023, at the Tarka Hotel in Tahoua. This innovative event was orchestrated by the Faith and Development Department in collaboration with RAISE 4 Sahel.

The main objective was to create a space where religious and traditional leaders, coming from different faiths and backgrounds, could discuss, learn, and debate complex issues surrounding child vaccination.

Mrs. Issoufou Sadi, trainer and communication officer in the Mother and Child Health Division (DSME) in Niamey, emphasizes the impact:

“This training has enlightened religious leaders about the benefits of vaccination and further strengthened their trust in vaccination services in general.“

Between theory and practice, the workshop highlighted the concrete commitment of actors from various faiths. Reverend Pastor Hassane Hamidou Zakou, President of the Regional AMEEN, shared his commitment:

“After this training, I plan to sensitize my community by denouncing prejudices and false rumors about vaccination with biblical verses to help understand the divine perspective on the benefits of preserving one’s body in perfect health.“

This workshop laid the foundation for a network committed to promoting child vaccination in an interfaith and traditional context. The synergy among participants demonstrated the importance of unity in overcoming prejudices and promoting children’s health through vaccination. By strengthening the knowledge and skills of trainers, RAISE 4 Sahel builds a strong barrier against distrust and ensures a healthier future for vulnerable communities in Niger.