Since ancient times, people in Aceh have been reluctant to get vaccinated for religious reasons and lack of knowledge about vaccine-preventable diseases.
“In Aceh, the role of ulama or dayah leaders in society is very large. Many people ask for their advice on the positive and negative aspects of immunization, or whether children are allowed to be immunized under Islamic law,” Abdul explained Wahab, leader of Dayah Darul Fikri in Aceh Tamiang.
Since 2021, UNICEF has worked closely with the Aceh Dayah Ulama Association (HUDA) to build awareness of COVID-19 and routine immunization. Thanks to the support of HUDA, the level of public acceptance of immunization has improved.
In the polio immunization campaign, UNICEF partners with influential religious leaders to disseminate vaccine information to their congregations in mosques, churches, monasteries and other places of worship.
According to a UNICEF assessment of the situation prior to the campaign, the main reason parents refuse vaccinations is fear of side effects. Sitti Saniah and Nur Pradipta are two mothers who refused to immunize their daughters, so they finally received explanations from village health workers about vaccine-preventable diseases and ways to prevent transmission.
“When my son had a fever after being vaccinated, I was scared until I finally met the health worker and they told me that the fever is normal,” Nur said. “Now, I want kids to keep getting vaccinated as long as it’s good for them.”
“Because of polio, I am worried about my children’s future. After they are vaccinated, I feel more comfortable,” Sitti said.
