Somali Religious Leaders Join the Fight Against Polio

This article discusses the confirmed advocacy of high-level religious leaders in Somalia for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI). Through workshops held collaboratively by Ministries of Religious Affairs and Health,the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the World Health Organization (WHO), religious leaders across the country had a chance to discuss and clarify both religious and scientific concerns, which were augmented by references to the Qur'an, as well as learn about the role of the UN in polio prevention, and the nature of transmission of the disease itself.

By the end of the workshops, the religious leaders had pledged their full support, and had agreed to share with their peers at district level the key messages and agreements reached in support of child health and to broadcast immunisation messages from their mosques during future polio campaigns. The Puntland Minister of Justice and Religious Affairs, Abdirizak Yasin Abdulle, stated "We have a big responsibility. It is now time for the Sheikhs to take in front of Allah their esponsibilities for the eradication of polio. We must call for the vaccination of all children under five years of age and work for the benefit of the children," as he led 40 religious leaders from Northeast Somalia in a joint declaration of support for polio immunisation.