The Islamic Advisory Group for Polio Eradication has launched a new training manual for students of religious studies in support of polio eradication efforts. The manual provides practical guidance on how to engage with local communities to advocate for vaccination as well as other maternal and child health issues.

The launch of the training manual follows Islamic Advisory Group’s efforts to prepare students of religious studies at key universities in predominantly Muslim countries to act as advocates for critical health initiatives particularly in high-risk areas where marginalized and underserved populations reside. As future religious leaders and scholars the students will be well placed within their local communities to promote healthy behaviour and dispel rumours and misinformation that hamper the work of vaccination teams and deprive their community members of protection against polio and other vaccine preventable diseases.