Faith Communities and Public Health Strategies with Professor Heidi Larson and Dr. Nduku Kilonzo

In this episode of A Shot in the Arm podcast, host Ben Plumley is joined by Professor Heidi Larson, co-founder of the Global Listening Project, and Dr. Nduku Kilonzo, managing director of Yemaya Health Advisory. Recorded in during IAS 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda, the discussion centers on the essential contributions of faith leaders to global health, particularly in engaging communities and influencing public health decisions. The episode explores findings from the Global Listening Project's studies in Kenya and Nigeria, highlighting the deep trust communities place in faith leaders and the necessity of including them in health initiatives. The conversation emphasizes the need for health professionals to rethink their engagement strategies with faith communities, the role of digital technologies, and the importance of co-creating health solutions with faith leaders.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:17 Meet the Guests: Professor Heidi Larson and Dr. Nduku Kilonzo

00:35 The Role of Faith Leaders in Global Health

02:20 Insights from the Global Listening Project

03:54 Challenges and Opportunities in Engaging Faith Leaders

05:17 Deep Listening Techniques and Findings

07:49 Faith Leaders' Perspectives on Health Issues

09:53 The Importance of Trust and Engagement

19:11 Digital Technologies and Faith Communities

24:27 Future Directions and Final Thoughts

28:30 Closing Remarks and Thanks

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