Lagos, Nigeria – Africa’s renowned evangelical preacher Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has been under scrutiny for his dissemination of anti-vaccine messages to his vast following, particularly targeting the new malaria vaccine in African nations. The pastor, known as “Pastor Chris,” has been the subject of investigation by the BBC’s Global Disinformation Team for his controversial statements claiming there is no proof that vaccines have ever been effective. This comes amid the crucial efforts to combat malaria, a major public health concern on the continent.
In a sermon broadcast on his church’s YouTube channel, Pastor Chris boldly declared that the public had been misled about the efficacy of vaccines, sparking concerns about the potential impact of his messages on vaccine uptake in the African region. With the recent rollout of a malaria vaccine hailed as a significant breakthrough in saving thousands of lives, his anti-vaccine rhetoric has raised alarm among health experts and organizations.
Critics fear that Pastor Chris’s influential reach and large following could contribute to fueling vaccine hesitancy, especially in regions prone to vaccine-preventable diseases. Despite the success of pilot vaccine campaigns in countries like Kenya, Ghana, and Malawi, the pastor’s messages questioning the safety and necessity of vaccines could undermine public health efforts to combat deadly diseases like malaria and cervical cancer.
The controversy surrounding Pastor Chris’s anti-vaccine stance extends beyond the malaria vaccine, with the preacher also targeting the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and spreading misinformation about other immunizations. His unfounded claims and conspiracy theories, particularly regarding vaccines and global health initiatives, have drawn criticism and raised concerns about the potential impact on public health awareness and vaccination programs.
As Pastor Chris continues to defend his anti-vaccine rhetoric, health experts emphasize the importance of ensuring accurate information and combating misinformation in the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases. With the proliferation of false claims and conspiracy theories, particularly from influential figures like religious leaders, there is a pressing need to address and correct misinformation to safeguard public health and promote vaccination as a critical tool in disease prevention.