About Us
About Us
Imams for Vaccine (IFV) is an International Interfaith Peace Corps (IIPC) project in collaboration with various Muslims organizations in USA, which aims to build a vibrant network and community of Imams and religious leaders that is ready to engage in addressing burning societal issues in US and globally.
The specific objective of this project is to promote and support of COVID-19 vaccination and to overcome vaccine hesitancy and resistance, especially among Muslim communities in US. The project will reflect the contributions of the Imams and their communities in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The initial phase of this project is supported by the Muslim World League and serves as an example of one of the implementation initiatives of the Charter of Makkah. The project’s future plan is to expand its reach globally and to address wider health and social issues.
The project brings together more than 600 Imams and scholars from different organizations to share experiences, collaborate, highlight and feature COVID-19 related works by the Imams and Masjids as a great example for civic engagement contribution to society.
Vaccine Hesitancy
Vaccine hesitancy refers to delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite availability of vaccine services. It is complex and context specific, varying across time, place, and vaccines. Vaccine hesitancy is influenced by factors such as complacency, convenience, and confidence. Vaccine hesitancy is a major public health issue that impacts all of us directly or indirectly. The barriers to vaccine acceptance and drivers of hesitancy are exceptionally complex and diverse. Faith communities can play a major role in identifying and responding to behavioral obstacles to widespread vaccination.
However, on many issues, including public health care, we may lack access to credible sources of information to formulate the required moral imperative arguments, as well as the institutional engagement to influence social and behavioral change. In order to improve the quality of work of the religious leaders, we must be able to offer them resources to empower them and increase their capacity to act. In doing so, we increase their influence and ability to change the quality of people’s lives.
