Religion, Public Health and Human Security in Nigeria

This book critically examines the intersection of religion, public health and human security in Nigeria. Focusing on Christianity, Islam, traditional religions and "intra-religious" doctrinal divergencies, the book explores the impact faith has on health-related decisions and how this affects security in Nigeria. The book assesses the connection between religion and five contemporary major health and medical issues in the country. This includes the issue of epidemics and pandemics such as the Covid-19 pandemic, vaccines, contraception, blood transfusion and the controversies associated with "miracle healing". In particular, this book explores situations where individuals have the power of choice but instead embraces faith and religious positions that contradict science in the management of their health and, in the process, expose themselves and others to personal health insecurity. It investigates aspects of human security including the wider international ramifications of health issues, approaches to cures and the interpretation of causes of diseases, as well as the ethno-religious connotations of such interpretations. Exploring key issues that have brought religion into the politics of health and human security in Nigeria, this book will be of interest to students and scholars in the field of African Religion, African Politics, African Studies, public health, security, and Sociology.

Abiodun Alao is Professor of African Studies at King's College London, UK. He is the author of several books, the latest being Rage and Carnage in the Name of God: Religious Violence in Nigeria", Duke University Press, 2022.

Preface. Introduction:Passion, Concerns and Tension: Overview of God, Public Health, and Security in Nigeria. Chapter 1:Religion, Human Security and Health in Nigeria: Complex Dimensions of Linkage. Chapter 2:Religion, Human Security and Epidemics in Nigeria. Chapter 3:Religion, Human Security, and the Politics of Vaccines in Nigeria. Chapter 4:Religion, Human Security and Contraception in Nigeria. Chapter 5:Blood Transfusion, Religion and Human Security in Nigeria. Chapter 6:Human Security and "Miracle Healing" in Nigeria. Chapter 7:Governance in the Politics of Religion, Public Health, and Human Security in Nigeria. Conclusion: "It is Well" ... Even when it is not so well. Bibliography. Index.