Study DRC - The Role of Christian Organizations in Promoting Covid-19 Vaccinations in Eastern Congo
Project Abstract
Swiss TPH, in partnership with the German Institute for Medical Mission or Difäm, conducted an evaluative review of the efforts made by seven Difäm supported churches during the Covid pandemic in North Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Using mixed methods, and local researchers, the study investigated and deepened understanding of the contributing factors of the churches during the Covid-19 pandemic, the role of religious health organizations and the diverse strategies that contributed to the observed success. Given the on-going civil war in the region, the Swiss TPH engaged with research partners to conduct field data collection. The study found that religious health organisations were essential in building community confidence and trust in the vaccine. This was tremendously important given the past mistrust of health facilities and providers due to Ebola outbreaks in the area. The results of the study informed Difäm’s ongoing work in the region with aligned religious health organisations.
