Korede Abdullah in Lagos
Chairman of the Muslim Community on Gender-Based Issues in Anambra State, Imam Sheriff Olanrewaju, is advocating for Muslim communities to make child immunization a top priority.
He made this call on Tuesday, in response to the ongoing second-round catch-up immunization campaign, which targets zero-dose and unvaccinated children in nine Local Government Areas.
Olanrewaju emphasized that immunization is accepted in the Muslim religion, citing the Holy Prophet Muhammad’s words: “Almighty Allah will not send any disease or plague to a country or community… Instead, He will provide a solution or cure for diseases.”
Olanrewaju drew parallels between the Prophet Muhammad’s advice to eat seven dates called ‘Ajwa’ daily to prevent plagues and modern immunization efforts. He stressed the importance of protecting families, especially children, from preventable diseases.
Olanrewaju encouraged the Muslim community in Anambra and across Nigeria to ensure their children receive vaccines, highlighting the devastating effects of polio, measles, and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
“We thank God that disease outbreaks are gradually reducing in our nation, unlike in the past,” Olanrewaju said, emphasizing the progress made in combating vaccine-preventable diseases.
His call to action aims to promote a culture of immunization within the Muslim community, safeguarding the health and well-being of children and families.
