Enhancing public trust in COVID-19 vaccination during ramadan 2022: A call for action

Abstract

Abstract: Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar in which it is compulsory for Muslims to abstain from eating and drinking during the daytime. The COVID-19 pandemic posed additional challenges for Muslims as the crowded religious gatherings could give a new breath to the spread of the virus. Similar measures were adopted during Ramadan in 2021. The initiation of COVID-19 vaccination across the globe in combination with the need to maintain personal protective measures against COVID-19, result in new needs and challenges. At this juncture, Ramadan 2022 offers a growing opportunity to unite a global voice for solidarity, equal distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, and tackling the challenge of vaccine hesitancy.

Highlights: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy continues to pose significant public health challenges worldwide. • The holy month of Ramadan brings a critical opportunity to enhance public trust in COVID-19 vaccination and address vaccine hesitancy. • Muslim-populated countries and their faith leaders can utilise the spiritual aspect of Ramadan to deliver evidence-based awareness about COVID-19 vaccines. • Governments should collaborate with stakeholders in the fields of healthcare and social sciences in order to implement vital public health measures.