The Nigerian Cleric on a Mission to Protect Girls from Cervical Cancer
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Sheikh Dr Ismail supporting the HPV vaccination campaign for girls. Credit: JSI.
Working in Nigeria’s Katsina State, Sheikh Dr Ismail Zakariyya Al-Kashnawii stands at the helm of a transformative health campaign, igniting a movement for lasting change. As an Islamic scholar and devoted father of six, Sheikh Ismail’s commitment to his community’s health has driven him to champion the fight against cervical cancer. His efforts are not just about raising awareness; they represent a fundamental shift in how his community understands and responds to this life-threatening disease.
“For many in my community, cervical cancer isn’t understood,” says Sheikh Ismail. “When women show symptoms, it’s often attributed to spiritual causes or family disputes. People don’t even know the real danger they’re facing.” In a region where daily survival often overshadows long-term health concerns, misinformation and economic hardship create significant barriers to accessing the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which began to roll out in Nigeria in October 2023, and reached Katsina as part of the second phase of the rollout in May 2024. The challenge is daunting, but Sheikh Ismail remains resolute.
When people saw that I trusted the vaccine enough to give it to my daughters, it made a difference […] by leading by example, I helped ease their fears. —Sheikh Dr Ismail Zakariyya Al-Kashnawii