This headline has been boggling my mind for some days after supporting one of the Local Government Areas (LGA) in one of the subnationals in Nigeria to validate its microplan for the second phase introduction of the Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine (HPVV).
As State Technical Facilitator (STF), I provide technical support to the LGA teams on training, selection of teams, social mobilization, needs assessment, and the entire microplanning. While taking the Ward Focal Persons (WFP) through different sheets for the total number of health facilities, schools, target population of girls (9-14 years), number of mosques and churches along with the names of traditional and religious leaders in the catchment area, the opening question above popped up in my mind.
Like sermons and “Waasi” (Islamic word for sermons), Social Behavioural Change Communications (SBCC) are strategically utilized as a measure to promote and positively influence knowledge, attitude and social norms, and this is based on a proven theory.
With the right sermons, the faith of religious worshippers is restored. With the right SBCC material, the behavioural patterns of a particular community can be shape-shifted to create more awareness about a subject matter.
Imagine Pastor Enoch Adeboye preaching about the associated risks of HPV and the benefits of receiving HPV vaccine, and othe vaccines like nOPV, BCG and MCV 1 & 2 to his huge congregation. Just simply imagine! With over two million dedicated worshippers and followers in the different age group, you could succinctly envisage the outcome of Daddy G. O’s impact via preaching about the importance of vaccines. Pastor Adeboye once said he would get vaccinated almost a dozen times if there is a need for him to do so in order to win souls for Christ.
While many religious leaders have spoken to their congregation to demand and accept vaccine, others have created many conspiracy theories against vaccines. According to a report published by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Pastor Chris Oyakhilome declared some time ago that vaccines have never showed any efficacy and efficiency.
According to ABC News, Father Paul Abernathy hit the streets of Pittsburgh (a black dominated neighborhood) in the United States of America (USA) to preach and convince residents to take the Covid-19 jab when the vaccines arrived.
“Sometimes when we pray, he gives us blessing by way of medicine, by way of vaccines,” Father Abernathy noted as he infused faith with his door-door awareness of the vaccine to the residents in Pittsburgh.
A few weeks ago, X was on fire as two of the major Afrobeats artistes, Wizkid and Davido were throwing tirade of jibes at each other instead getting a jab of vaccine and influencing millions of Nigerians to demand for vaccine thereby halting hesitancy. See a big screen where Afropop star like Rema catches rhema to sing about the benefits of vaccine, this singular act will usher in vaccine demand and acceptance that will be so vigorous and its virality will aid herd immunity, thereby impeding the spread of viral pathogens in the community.
For an artiste that sold out 02 Arena in November, 2023 and over 590m views on his biggest song (Calm Down) yet, singing about vaccine will easily influence over 1million people.
Within the fortnight, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) will commence the second phase implementation of the HPV vaccination campaign in over 20 states, I am very optimistic that the healthcare policies being orchestrated by the Chairperson of Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum (NHCF), Dr Oyebanji Filani, the political will of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), and the involvement of other stakeholders including the religious and traditional leaders will aid Nigeria in meeting its target coverage.
