Faith and Health Leaders convene for Faith in Action Health Conference in Fight Against Maternal Mortality and Cervical Cancer
NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 30 – Religious and health leaders from across Africa have convened in Nairobi for the Faith in Action Health Conference an unprecedented interfaith initiative aimed at accelerating fight against maternal mortality and cervical cancer two of the continents most urgent and preventable challenges.
The two day event organized by Africa Health and Economic Transformation Initiative (AHETI) brings together senior Catholic bishops, Muslims scholars, Hindu, protestant leaders, Seven day adventist representatives and leading global health experts to chart a collaborative path forward.
Building on the momentum of the 2024 Nairobi Convening on Faith and Science, this year’s conference marks a shift from conversation to community-based intervention.
The agenda is centered around increasing HPV vaccination rates, expanding maternal health services and boosting early cervical cancer screenings particularly in underserved communities where religious and cultural beliefs deeply influence health behavior.
In addition as Kenya continues to grapple with high maternal mortality rates 342 deaths per 100,000 live births while cervical cancer remains country’s leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, claiming more than 3,500 lives each year, despite availability of HPV vaccine uptake remains below 30% impeded by stigma, misinformation and lack of access.
“Religious leaders have the trust of millions that trust must now be used to save lives, We are moving from pulpits to public health campaigns.” said Fr. Charles Chilufya, S.J Executive Director of AHETI.
Furthermore, the conference is expected to deliver concrete faith-based commitments to support HPV vaccination, early cervical cancer screening and maternal care with participants also aim to foster closer collaboration between religious organizations and national health systems to enhance service delivery.
“We have seen the harm that myths and stigma can cause, Faith leaders must be part of the solution championing awareness, acceptance, and access,” stated Dr. Hussein Iman of Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM).
AHETI has announced the Faith in Action Medical Camp to extend its impact beyond conference halls scheduled for May 16–17, 2025 at St. Francis Community Hospital in Kasarani, Nairobi.
The event will offer free health services including screenings, consultations, and health education to over 1,000 underserved Nairobi residents.
