Uniting Faith and Health: Religious Leaders Advocate for Polio Vaccination in Guinea
In Guinea, a groundbreaking alliance between religious leaders and health workers is transforming polio vaccination from a public health initiative into a collective act of faith and responsibility. Under the dedicated leadership of Dr. Diallo, Senior Advisor for Religious Affairs in Conakry, places of worship have become powerful platforms for advocacy, leveraging trusted religious voices to overcome misinformation and fear. This unique partnership not only boosts vaccination coverage but strengthens community solidarity, demonstrating how unity between spiritual guidance and health promotion can profoundly impact public well-being.
In Guinea, religious leaders are uniting faith and health, becoming key advocates for polio vaccination and helping to protect the nation's children. Leading this effort is Dr. Diallo, Senior Advisor for Religious Affairs in Conakry, who has successfully connected religious communities with public health initiatives.
"Our secretariat plays a critical role in raising awareness and mobilizing communities to embrace polio vaccination," says Dr. Diallo. "Working closely with the Ministry of Health and religious leaders, we integrate important health messages into sermons and teachings in mosques, churches, and other places of worship."
This partnership ensures essential health messages reach communities regularly, announced after collective prayers and religious gatherings, using mosque loudspeakers and community broadcasts.
"Our messages emphasize our shared responsibility to protect children, rooted deeply in religious values that promote life and the well-being of vulnerable groups," explains Dr. Diallo.
The collaboration has also led to certain places of worship hosting vaccination sessions after religious ceremonies, significantly improving access for families and caregivers.
Vaccination is safe, free, and readily available," Dr. Diallo emphasizes. "By vaccinating our children, we secure their health and the prosperity of our nation."
Dr. Diallo appeals directly to caregivers: "We cannot let fear or misinformation compromise our children's health. Trust health professionals and follow official health recommendations. Vaccination saves lives."
Through the committed leadership of religious figures and proactive community engagement, Guinea continues to progress toward polio eradication, demonstrating the powerful impact achieved when health initiatives and religious leadership unite.
Photo: Dr. Diallo, Principal Advisor on Religious Affairs. © UNICEF Guinea 2025.
Photo: Dr. Diallo, Senior Advisor for Religious Affairs in Guinea, engages in discussion with UNICEF representatives, strengthening partnerships between religious leaders and public health initiatives to promote polio vaccination. © UNICEF Guinea 2025.
Story by Afiavi Basilia AGUESSY, SBC Immunization Consultant, STOP 55 Guinea, and Jeconias Mbaihingam, SBC Polio, UNICEF Guinea
Edited by Daria Shubina, UNICEF Polio SBC Knowledge Management Specialist
Photo credits: © UNICEF Guinea/2025.