The Science-spirituality Nexus: Religion and the COVID-19 vaccination campaigns in Tanzania

Abstract

Background: The influence of religion on health seeking behaviour is well document in the public health literature. However, the extent to which religious discourses and practices contributed to scepticism towards COVID-19 vaccines, vaccine uptake, and indecisiveness in intention to be vaccinated in Tanzania has not yet been established.

Aim: To explore the nexus between religion and public health in the measures taken against the COVID-19 pandemic in Tanzania by empirically examining how religious actors in opposed the first phased of COVID-19 vaccination campaigns before becoming key supporters of the same campaigns in the second phase.

Setting: The study was conducted in eight regions representing key administrative zones of Mainland Tanzania.

Methods: The article draws on empirical evidence from exploratory mixed-method study combining focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant and semi-structured interviews.

Results: We found that religious narratives and practices in relation to the pandemic were quite dynamic but influential in shaping individuals’ decisions including on whether or not to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Religious anti-COVID-19 vaccine narratives accounted for the slow COVID-19 vaccine uptake but when religious leaders were later mobilised to support the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, the vaccine uptake in Tanzania improved considerably.

Conclusion: The study concludes that religious actors play a significant role in influencing public health behaviours, particularly in vaccine uptake.

Contribution: Future public health measures designed to increase vaccine uptake should not overlook the salient role of religious actors in the promotion desired health practices and outcomes.