Kenya Unveils Drafts guidelines to strengthen Faith-Health Partnerships

Archrbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Narobi Most Rev Philip Anyolo and AHETI Director Father Charles Chilufya looks at the Faith for Action Health Conference. [File, Standard] Kenya has unveiled new draft guidelines to strengthen collaboration between the health sector and faith leaders. The guidelines seek to repair strained relations that have derailed past public health campaigns such as the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rollout. This is a viral infection that can be transmitted through sexual contact. The framework, developed after consultations with more than 400 clerics across denominations, proposes a major shift in how government health teams engage with religious institutions. Instead of issuing directives, health officials are urged to begin with dialogue and co-create solutions with faith leaders. READ ALSO: Religious leaders to convene on maternal mortality and cervical cancer in Africa "Top-down directives erode trust," said Dr. Nduku Kilonzo, chief executive of Yemaya Health Advisory, which led the process. "The guidelines emphasize moving from seeing clerics as channels for messaging to treating them as co-owners of solutions." The document highlights the need for transparency, stressing that clerics require complete information on the benefits and risks of health interventions before speaking to their congregations. "If we are expected to speak, we must first be heard," noted Kaya Elders spokesperson Joseph Marani. Language framing is another key concern. During consultations, clerics said they were more comfortable advocating for "child spacing" rather than "family planning," and preferred describing the HPV vaccine as "protection against cervical cancer" instead of linking it to sexuality. The guidelines also call for broader inclusion. Engagement, they argue, should go beyond senior male clergy to involve women, youth, and persons with disabilities, who often hold significant influence in faith communities. "Women's ministries already drive maternal health initiatives, yet our voices are missing in national health discussions," Dr. Kilonzo said. To formalize collaboration, the framework recommends granting religious leaders structured representation in national and county technical working groups where health policies are shaped. This would ensure public health strategies balance scientific evidence with community values. Faith leaders have cautiously welcomed the move but are urging the government to also strengthen support for faith-based hospitals, which serve large populations across the country. "People trust us with their souls. Why wouldn't they trust us with their health? But we must be engaged from the start, not as an afterthought," said Sister Doris Mulongo, Assistant Health Coordinator for the Catholic Diocese of Turkana. Although prompted by past disputes over HPV vaccination, contraception, and early marriage, the guidelines extend to broader issues, including gender-based violence, mental health, chronic illnesses, and disability inclusion. They also propose blending traditional religious platforms with digital tools, recognizing that sermons and WhatsApp groups now carry equal weight in shaping community perceptions. Ultimately, the draft guidelines represent an effort to bridge the long-standing divide between scripture and science in Kenya's health system. "This is about finding common ground so that families and communities can thrive," Dr. Kilonzo said.

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Kenya Unveils Drafts guidelines to strengthen Faith-Health Partnerships

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