Effects of local faith-actor engagement in the uptake and coverage of immunization in low- and middle-income countries: A literature review

This landscape review from the USAID-funded MOMENTUM Country and Global Leadership, published in the Christian Journal for Global Health, in May 2022, found extensive evidence supporting the value of religious engagement for immunization promotion and acceptance in lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Yet rigorous evidence and specific approaches for engaging local faith actors to strengthen immunization uptake in LMICs are limited. As countries urgently work to expand access to COVID-19 vaccinations, this study advances understanding of how to more effectively engage local faith actors in promoting immunization campaigns and addressing vaccine hesitancy. The review was conducted by Sara Melillo, Global Health Consultant; Rebecca Strachan, CCIH Intern; Carolyn J O’Brien, CCIH Program Advisor; Chizoba Wonodi, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, International Vaccine Access Center; Mona Bormet, CCIH Program Director; and Doug Fountain, CCIH Executive Director.