Vaccine

Religious leaders’ perspectives on childhood immunization in Bauchi State, Nigeria: A Qualitative Study

Auwal Abubakar
Stefano M Bertozzi
Adamu Mohammed
Rabiu Alhaji Suleh
Bakunawa Garba Bello
Suraj Musa Inuwa
Purnima Madhivanan
Maiya G Block Ngaybe
Olumayowa Adebayo
Ndola Prata
Doug Oman
2026
Abstract Introduction:

Childhood immunization is highly cost-effective, yet uptake is shaped by sociocultural and religious influences. In Bauchi State, Nigeria, coverage remains low (Penta3 58.2%; fully vaccinated 22.5% among children aged 12–23 months). Religious leaders shape community norms, but their perspectives on immunization in Bauchi are not well characterized. Guided by Oman and Syme’s religion/spirituality and health model, we explored religious leaders’ knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, practices and recommendations regarding childhood immunization.

Methods:

Between...