By: Cynthia Masibo
Senior religious and health leaders from across Africa have converged in Nairobi for the inaugural Faith in Action Health Conference, a landmark interfaith gathering designed to confront two of the continent’s most pressing-and preventable-health threats: maternal mortality and cervical cancer.
Organized by the Africa Health and Economic Transformation Initiative (AHETI), the two-day conference brings together Catholic bishops, Muslim scholars, Hindu and Protestant leaders, Seventh-day Adventist representatives, and global health experts. Their shared mission: to forge collaborative solutions that will save lives and transform health outcomes for millions of African women and families.
The conference opened with a rousing call to action from Most Rev. Philip Anyolo, Archbishop of Nairobi, who declared, “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.” This sentiment was echoed by Fr. Charles Chilufya, S.J., Executive Director of AHETI, who emphasized the shift from “pulpits to public health campaigns,” underscoring the unique influence faith leaders have in shaping attitudes and behaviors.
Kenya faces a maternal mortality rate of 342 deaths per 100,000 live births, a figure that starkly illustrates the ongoing risk for women during pregnancy and childbirth. Cervical cancer, meanwhile, remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Kenyan women, with over 3,500 fatalities annually. Despite the availability of the HPV vaccine-a proven tool for prevention-national uptake in Kenya lags below 30%, hampered by misinformation, stigma, and limited access, particularly in underserved communities.
Across Africa, the burden is even heavier. More than 266,000 women die of cervical cancer each year, with 87% of these deaths occurring in less developed regions. If current trends continue, deaths could reach 416,000 by 2035.
With over 90% of Africa’s population identifying with a faith tradition, religious leaders are uniquely positioned to influence health-seeking behaviors. Their trusted voices can dispel myths, reduce stigma, and encourage uptake of life-saving interventions such as HPV vaccination and early cancer screening.
“Religious leaders have the trust of millions. That trust must now be used to save lives,” Fr. Chilufya stressed. Dr. Hussein Iman of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) added, “We have seen the harm that myths and stigma can cause. Faith leaders must be part of the solution-championing awareness, acceptance, and access”.
Panels throughout the event are focusing on faith-based health financing, integrating faith-run health institutions into national systems, and policy advocacy for sustainable change.
The momentum will continue with the Faith in Action Medical Camp, scheduled for May 16–17, 2025, at St. Francis Community Hospital in Kasarani. More than 1,000 underserved Nairobi residents are expected to receive free health services, including screenings, consultations, and health education-directly translating the conference’s commitments into lifesaving action for those most in need.
As faith leaders and health experts join forces, the message from Nairobi is clear: Africa’s maternal and cervical cancer crisis demands bold, united action. By leveraging the trust and reach of religious institutions, the continent is taking a decisive step toward a healthier, more equitable future.
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