Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy: Influence & Impact

The impact of vaccines in disease prevention, the rise of vaccine hesitancy, and the recent measles outbreak disproportionately affecting Somali families in Minnesota.

In this episode, we invite a panel of community leaders and experts to engage in a discussion about the impact of vaccines in disease prevention and the multidimensional contributing factors resulting from vaccine decline and hesitancy, as well as the recent measles outbreak disproportionately impacting the Somali community in Minnesota.

This episode also includes a Part 2 in which our Somali-speaking guests discuss a portion of the conversation in Somali.

Jamila Abdulkadir, Family Practitioner, Axis Medical Center

Clinical Director, Inspire Change Clinic

Jamila is a family nurse practitioner with decades of experience in healthcare, language service, and human rights advocacy. Jamila finds fulfillment in providing comprehensive care to diverse individuals as it allows her to help people live healthier and more fulfilling lives. Jamila’s deep understanding of healthcare systems and her passion for advocating for marginalized communities have shaped her approach to patient care. She believes in treating the whole person, not just their physical ailments, and takes the time to listen to her patients’ concerns and fears. Her dedication to promoting health equity and social justice extends beyond the clinic walls, as she actively participates in community outreach programs and volunteers her time to provide healthcare services to underserved populations.

Lynn Bahta, Immunization Clinical Consultant, MN Department of Health

Lynn Bahta is a Public Health Nurse at the Minnesota Department of Health serving as the Immunization Program Clinical Consultant. With over twenty-five years of work in immunization, Ms. Bahta provides subject matter expertise to MDH immunization programs, local public health, and clinicians. In July 2019, Ms. Bahta was appointed to the Center for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a CDC advisory group of clinical and public health experts that make policy recommendations for licensed U.S. vaccines. In addition to technical consultation, Lynn does extensive work for MDH in vaccine safety-related activities.

Munira Maalimisaq, CEO & Founder, Inspire Change Clinic

Munira Maalimisaq is a family nurse practitioner with expertise in diversity, inclusion, and health equity. Trusted individual with a reputation for developing strong relationships with medical providers, patients, and the communities we serve. Has experience conducting extensive outreach in marginalized communities, educating individuals about vaccine hesitancy, chronic care management, and collaborating with health organizations to create strategizes on decreasing health disparities. 

She currently practices primary care at HealthPartners and is the CEO and Founder of Inspire Change Clinic. There, she established the Pathway to Medicine Fellowship, an initiative designed to remove barriers for minority students, promote diversity and inclusivity in the healthcare sector, and provide valuable opportunities for future healthcare professionals.

Additionally, Munira serves as the representative of the Office of the Special Envoy for Health and Nutrition in the United States for Somalia, further extending her impact on global health initiatives.

Imam Sharif Mohamed, Co-Founder & Director, Open Path Resources

Imam Sharif Abdirahman Mohamed is co-founder of Dar-Al Hijrah Mosque in Minneapolis and co-founder of Open Path Resources, working with mainstream organizations to increase the capacity of youth, families and faith centers in the East African and Muslim community. Sharif has led efforts to connect Islamic principles to key mental and physical health issues common to the community. He is certified as a trainer in Mental Health First Aid and is a nationally certified trainer with the Center for Mind Body Medicine. He was honored with a 2-year fellowship through the University of Chicago School of Medicine to connect with national leaders in healthcare exploring the Islamic faith’s relationship to health outcomes.

Lia Roberts, Public Health Supervisor, Dakota County

Lia Roberts is a Public Health Professional and doctoral-level nurse. She has worked at Dakota County Public Health since 2010 in which she has worked as a home visiting nurse, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator and in her current role as a Public Health Supervisor for Emergency Preparedness, Emergency Medical Services, and Community Engagement. She has worked in Dakota County’s immunization program since 2011.  She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Studies, and a Doctor of Nurse Practice in Public Health, all from the University of Minnesota.