Kwara mobilises religious leaders against vaccine rumours
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Punch
Kwara State health authorities are mobilising religious and traditional leaders against misinformation about vaccines and essential healthcare. The effort aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality and improve vaccination, according to Nusirat Elelu, head of the local primary healthcare agency, quoted by Punch.
Religious and traditional leaders in Nigeria’s Kwara State have been urged to combat false information about vaccines and beliefs that keep families from accessing essential healthcare. The request was made by Nusirat Elelu, executive secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, during an orientation session on the Faith-For-Life approach, according to a statement from the agency cited by Punch on Saturday.
Nusirat Elelu asked imams and pastors to explain to their communities the benefits of routine vaccination, antenatal care and exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months. She also invited them to address concerns about blood transfusions, caesarean sections and other medical interventions needed to reduce maternal, neonatal and infant deaths.
Ibrahim Tsado, a social and behavioural change specialist at the Kaduna office of the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), urged religious leaders to share accurate information and dispel myths about vaccines. Kwara’s health agency also cited hygiene, sanitation and child protection among the issues requiring their mobilisation.
