Government engages Religious Heads on preventive measures over 2nd Wave of COVID-19 pandemic

Anambra State Government through the Ministry Of Health has organised a training for religious heads on preventive measures against the second wave of Coronavirus in the state.

The training had in attendance Reverend Fathers from Catholic, Anglican Communion, Reverend Sisters, Pastors and Imams is aimed at equipping them with necessary knowledge to ensure their members are protected against the pandemic.

State Commissioner for Health, Dr Vincent Okpala commended them for the roles they played and their collaboration during the first Index case in the state.

The training was held at Wintess Garden Hotels, Awka.

Dr Okpala said that it was important to engage religious leaders in tackling the pandemic; It will help ensure Ndi Anambra are protected during this time the second wave is affecting most countries in the world.

According to him, the second wave is a challenge which needs to be managed very well and we don’t want to lose any Anambra Citizen again.

He emphasised on the need for the public to adhere strictly to the COVID-19 protocols in churches and mosques while maintaining that COVD-19 is real and also urged the clergymen to step-down the information garnered to their members.

“We are engaging religious leaders on risk mitigation, communication against the second wave.

“They will help us to spread the message on the things we need to do and to curb the spread.

“People should be doers and not hearers alone because COVID-19 is real.

“We need to maintain social distancing, hand washing and sanitizing, wearing of face masks, if we do this, we can beat the virus,’’ he appealed.

The Commissioner applauded the State Government for its support to the health system of the state and for having the interest of Ndi Anambra at heart.

State Health Educator, Mrs Uju Onwuegbuzinem, urged religious heads to mobilise their members to get tested and receive necessary treatment if possible, adding that COVID-19 is not a death sentence. Some people don’t believe COVID-19 is real, we need to get it right by wearing a face mask, observing social distancing.

We need to contain the pandemic, we want clergymen to mobilise their members to get tested,” she said.

A participant, Catholic Diocese of Awka, Health Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Felix Efeobi said that the training was a good development.

Fr. Efeobi assured that he will teach Catholic faithful all the knowledge garnered in taking proper measures to stop the spread.

He called for more support to mission and faith based organisations to help reach out to people at the grassroots.

“Government should establish testing and sample collection centres at faith based hospitals because the majority of our people like going to mission hospitals rather than state owned hospitals,’’ Efeobi said.

The participants were trained by officials from NCDC and health officers in the ministry on the following; how to find and share correct Health advisories as provided by NCDC, State ministry of Health and Security Agencies.

“To encourage members to support the government in the response and build their capacity to effectively mobilise members for COVID-19 testing.”