Dynamics of Religious Organisations in Responding to COVID-19: A Case of Islamic and Christians Organisations in Urban Tanzania

Abstract

Despite the dynamics of public health policies during COVID-19 pandemic in Tanzania, religious organisations (ROs) enhanced healthcare services and support while adapting safe measures. The study assessed the health care and support activities conducted by ROs during COVID-19. Furthermore, the study explored how Islamic and Christians teachings, practices, and meanings were crucial to the design and execution of ROs’ COVID-19 healthcare activities. The study employed the concepts of religion as a model for, and model of lived reality; and development as holistic process. The study used ethnographic approaches such as participant observation, interviews and focus group discussion. Findings showed that ROs conducted both medical and non-medical activities, formal and informal healthcare services and provided support to their members and the general public access to COVID-19 related healthcare services and support particularly for those coming from poor socioeconomic backgrounds. Religious teachings, practices and meanings informed and motivated ROs healthcare workers, followers and the management in responding to COVID-19. The study concludes that ROs’ COVID-19 healthcare interventions are dynamic, adaptive and practical for they influence and are being influenced by religious teachings, practices, experiences and meanings as well as existing socio-economic and political realities.