Religious and health leaders from across Africa have converged in Nairobi for a groundbreaking initiative aimed at tackling two of the continent’s most pressing yet preventable health crises: maternal mortality and cervical cancer. The Faith in Action Health Conference, hosted by the Africa Health and Economic Transformation Initiative (AHETI), is bringing together Catholic bishops, Muslim scholars, Protestant and Hindu leaders, Seventh-day Adventist representatives, and top health experts to forge faith-based solutions for better health outcomes.
A Call to Action
“As leaders of our communities, we must not only talk about dignity and life—we must actively protect it,” declared Most Rev. Philip Anyolo, Archbishop of Nairobi and the event’s chief guest. “This moment calls for more than just prayer; it calls for action.”
Building on the momentum from the 2024 Nairobi Convening on Faith and Science, this year’s conference shifts from discussion to tangible interventions. Key strategies include expanding HPV vaccination, improving maternal care access, and promoting early cervical cancer screening—particularly in underserved regions where religious leaders hold significant influence.
Harnessing Trust to Save Live.
“Religious leaders hold the trust of millions. That trust must now be harnessed to save lives,” said Fr. Charles Chilufya, S.J., Executive Director of AHETI. “We are transitioning from pulpits to public health campaigns.”
The urgency is clear: in Kenya alone, 342 women die per 100,000 live births, while cervical cancer claims over 3,500 lives annually. Yet, HPV vaccine uptake remains below 30%, hampered by misinformation and cultural stigma. With faith communities reaching over 90% of Africa’s population, their role in reversing these trends is pivotal.
Breaking Myths, Building Solutions
“We have witnessed the damage that myths and stigma can inflict,” said Dr. Hussein Iman of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM). “Faith leaders must be integral to the solution.”
Beyond health interventions, the conference will explore faith-based health financing, interfaith collaboration for universal health coverage (UHC), and integrating faith-run clinics into national healthcare systems. The event will culminate in the Faith in Action Medical Camp on May 16–17, 2025, at St. Francis Community Hospital in Kasarani, offering free screenings and education to over 1,000 underserved Nairobi residents.
