Culture, as a way of life in different communities, is an important body in the continuity of society.
There is need for equilibrium between culture and health.
Culture should have a positive impact on health, and at the same time, health measures should be able to preserve the cultural aspects of a community.
But sometimes, a lot needs to be addressed when the negative impacts of cultural practices overshadows the health benefits.
One of the deleterious aspects of culture on developing a healthy nation is the belief towards vaccination and blood transfusion.
The ongoing anti-measles vaccination in Kenya has faced cultural interferences.
Recently, the staunch believers of the Legio-Maria church in Rongo, Migori County denied letting their children receive the vaccine, on the basis of prayers being the protective element against diseases.
At some point, the same religious group in Western Kenya objected the anti-polio vaccination when public health officers approached them.
Other cultural beliefs underlying vaccination is that some of the vaccines are derived from human stem cells and that the body is a sacred entity that should only be cleansed by prayers.
There is need to address this issue by the government and other stake holders in the health sector.
Enough health education on importance of vaccination needs to be rolled out to the public, through public gatherings, door to door campaigns and in health centers.
Women who bring their children to the health facilities should also be advised and even monitored to ensure the vaccination schedule is adhered to as required.
Harsh measures should be taken against those who defy the law since health is now a human right.
When this happens, our children will live a healthy life. Prevention is better than cure. Vaccination is better than disease management.