By Eddah Waithaka
Religious leaders and health experts from across Africa have gathered in Nairobi for the Faith in Action Health Conference, a groundbreaking interfaith effort to combat maternal mortality and cervical cancer—two of Africa’s most pressing yet preventable health crises.
The Africa Health and Economic Transformation Initiative (AHETI) organized the two-day summit, bringing together Catholic bishops, Muslim scholars, Hindu and Protestant leaders, Seventh-day Adventist representatives, and global health specialists. Together, they aim to forge a united strategy to save lives.
“As shepherds of our communities, we must not only preach about dignity and life—we must protect it. This moment demands more than prayer; it demands action,” said Most Rev. Philip Anyolo, Archbishop of Nairobi, the conference’s chief guest.
The meeting builds on the momentum of the 2024 Nairobi Convening on Faith and Science, shifting from discussion to action. Key priorities include expanding HPV vaccination, improving maternal healthcare, and increasing early cervical cancer screening—especially in underserved areas where faith leaders heavily influence health decisions.
“Religious leaders have the trust of millions. That trust must now be used to save lives,” said Fr. Charles Chilufya, S.J., AHETI Executive Director. “We are moving from pulpits to public health campaigns.”
A Crisis Requiring Urgent Action
Kenya records 342 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, while cervical cancer kills over 3,500 Kenyan women yearly. Despite the availability of the HPV vaccine, national uptake remains below 30%, hampered by misinformation and limited access.
With over 90% of Africa’s population identifying with a faith tradition, religious leaders hold unmatched influence in shifting attitudes.
“We have seen the harm that myths and stigma can cause,” said Dr. Hussein Iman of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM). “Faith leaders must champion awareness, acceptance, and access.”
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From Dialogue to Impact
The conference features discussions on faith-based health financing, interfaith collaboration for universal health coverage, and policy reforms to integrate faith-run clinics into national systems.
The initiative aims to achieve several key outcomes, including faith-backed pledges to enhance vaccination, screening, and maternal care, while fostering stronger partnerships between religious organizations and government health systems.
Additionally, it seeks funding commitments to upgrade faith-run medical facilities and establish interfaith alliances that promote universal health coverage (UHC), ultimately leading to improved health outcomes.
Free Medical Camp
Following the conference, the Faith in Action Medical Camp will take place on May 16–17, 2025, at St. Francis Community Hospital in Kasarani, offering free screenings, consultations, and health education to over 1,000 underserved residents.
This initiative marks a critical step in turning faith into lifesaving action.
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