Understanding the Role of Religious Leaders in Public Health Crises

The essential role of religious actors in international development cannot be overemphasised as noted by scholars, activists and development practitioners working and thinking at the very 'local' level of aid and development delivery. This owes to the fact that faith and religion remain key influencing factors in communities' response to both behavioural and structural change.

This study is a contribution to the body of knowledge on effective public health interventions at the grassroots. The findings will increase the understanding of the unique role of faith leaders in public health crises and expand knowledge on how to effectively maximise this potential towards gaining social approval in future public health interventions. If faith actors are considered the gateway to credible health information and services among community members, synergy building between public health authorities and religious leaders becomes imperative.