NAIROBI, Kenya – The Faith in Action Health Conference, an extraordinary ecumenical project aiming at speeding up the fight against maternal mortality and cervical cancer, has opened in Nairobi with religious and health leaders from all around Africa.
Y News understands that maternal mortality and cervical cancer are two of the continent’s most urgent and preventable health challenges.
Leading global health professionals, Seventh-day Adventist delegates, Muslim scholars, Hindu and Protestant leaders, and senior Catholic bishops have joined the two-day event, which is organised by the Africa Health and Economic Transformation Initiative (AHETI), to map out a cooperative future.
“As shepherds of our communities, we must not only preach about dignity and life—we must protect it. This moment demands more than prayer; it demands action,” said Most Rev. Philip Anyolo, Archbishop of Nairobi and the conference’s chief guest.
A light moment at the Faith in Action Medical Conference as faith leaders enjoy jogging and fellowship — promoting wellness alongside health advocacy. #FaithInAction #healthandwellness #cervicalcancerawareness #faithforhealth #CommunityWellbeing #wellnessinfaith
Y News knows that AHETI is a pan-African, faith-based, and non-profit organisation based in Nairobi, Kenya, whose mission is the promotion of equitable access to quality healthcare for all in Africa.
All we know about AHETI
AHETI is a comprehensive initiative that aims to address the challenges of health and economic development in Africa. The initiative seeks to improve the health outcomes of Africans by promoting policy reforms, fostering innovative partnerships, and investing in the development of critical infrastructure.
Meanwhile, building on the momentum from the 2024 Nairobi Convening on Faith and Science, the Faith in Action Health Conference moves from discussion to practical, community-based actions.
The agenda’s main goals are to increase access to early cervical cancer screening, maternal health care, and HPV vaccination, particularly in underprivileged areas where cultural and religious factors have a significant impact on health-seeking behaviour.
.@CharlieChilufya reminds us that healing occurs when faith meets science. He urges faith leaders to reflect on human dignity in their calling, offer teachings that integrate faith & healing, and to put their beliefs into action in service of humanity. #CervicalHealth #ACHA
In the field of public health, faith leaders are increasingly being asked to take on a transformative role.
“Religious leaders have the trust of millions. That trust must now be used to save lives,” said Fr. Charles Chilufya, S.J., executive director of AHETI. “We are moving from pulpits to public health campaigns.”
A Health Emergency Calling for Audacious Collaborations
According to Kenya, there are 342 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births, and cervical cancer continues to be the primary cause of cancer-related fatalities for Kenyan women, taking more than 3,500 lives each year.
Because of stigma, lack of knowledge, and restricted access, the HPV vaccine’s national uptake is still below 30% despite its availability.
Faith leaders are in a unique position to shape community attitudes and advance health education and early intervention, as over 90% of Africans identify as belonging to a faith tradition (Pew Research Centre, 2022).
“We have seen the harm that myths and stigma can cause,” said Dr. Hussein Iman of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM). “Faith leaders must be part of the solution—championing awareness, acceptance, and access.”
Y News has established that the conference features panels on faith-based health financing, interfaith collaboration for universal health coverage, and policy advocacy to integrate faith-run health institutions into national systems.
A Vision Beyond the Conference
- As part of its outcomes, the conference is expected to deliver:
- Concrete faith-based commitments supporting vaccination, screening, and maternal care
- Greater collaboration between religious and government health systems
- Resource mobilisation to strengthen faith-run healthcare infrastructure
- Interfaith partnerships focused on achieving universal health coverage (UHC)
The convening will be followed by the Faith in Action Medical Camp, scheduled for May 16–17, 2025, at St. Francis Community Hospital in Kasarani, where over 1,000 underserved Nairobi residents are expected to receive free health services, including screenings, consultations, and health education.
