The United Nations Children’s Fund has urged religious leaders in Katsina State to use their influence to promote child health, immunisation and other essential healthcare practices in their communities.
UNICEF made the call during an engagement with religious leaders in the state, stressing the important role they play in shaping public attitudes and encouraging families to make informed decisions about the health and wellbeing of children.
The organisation urged Islamic scholars and other community influencers to support campaigns aimed at increasing immunisation coverage, promoting proper nutrition and encouraging parents to seek timely medical attention for sick children.
UNICEF also emphasised the need for religious leaders to help address misinformation and misconceptions surrounding vaccines and other child-health interventions.
The agency said greater collaboration with religious and traditional leaders would help improve access to essential health services, particularly in underserved communities.
It encouraged the leaders to use sermons, religious gatherings and other community platforms to educate parents and caregivers on preventive healthcare and the importance of completing routine childhood immunisations.
UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Katsina State Government and community stakeholders to reduce preventable child deaths and improve health outcomes for children across the state.
The organisation called for sustained community engagement, noting that protecting children requires the collective efforts of government institutions, health workers, religious leaders, parents and other stakeholders.
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