Africa-Press – Tanzania. RECENTLY, during the Anglican Church 50th Anniversary commemorations in Dodoma, President Samia Suluhu Hassan reached out to religious leaders to join forces with the government on raising awareness in the public on the importance of their believers getting Covid-19 jabs.
This has come at the right place, where several Tanzanians flock to seek God’s mercy and guidance on the disease that has no boundary, but can be managed once people observe health practitioners’ pieces of advice.
We all know that places of worship, be it in Church or Mosque, is a holy place spiritually know to heal and alleviate human suffering and express God’s love for the world, hence, any message sent via it should not be subjected to baseless criticisms.
Be it in the Bible or Quran as well as any other Holy Book, people have sought God’s guidance in times of calamities and He has answered prayers through the Prophets, who are His messengers, hence, choosing the Lord’s servants (Bishops, Pastors, Sheikhs) to spread news against the scourge is a collective responsibility of all, and should not be confined to the government.
Because Churches often provide help and advice for those in need, President Samia should be supported, especially when she said: “I call upon you (religious leaders) to carry out massive campaign on the Covid-19 pandemic and vaccination drive…the truth is that the Covid-19 vaccines offer a long lasting immunity against severe and illnesses and as well reduce the number of deaths.”
She added: “Let’s find it crucial to educate our believers on the pros and cons of taking the Covid-19 vaccines. Although, the vaccines are voluntary some people still don’t know the benefits of becoming immunized.”
This is implying that fighting the disease must also involve religious organizations, which are part and parcel of the country.
When a disease like Covid-19 strikes, it does not only infect people who do not go to Church, Mosque or are not believe in the presence of God, but descends on all that is why all institutions must come together to protect their members and in this case Tanzanians.
It was good the President also enlightened the public that a vaccine taken lowers the chances of a person experiencing severe illness and ultimate death in comparison to one that has none.
Once you receive your first shot, your body begins producing antibodies to the coronavirus. These antibodies help your immune system fight the virus if you happen to be exposed, so it reduces your chance of getting the disease.
