Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE government in collaboration with religious leaders has come up with a plan to develop toolkits that will help raise awareness and importance of Covid-19 vaccine in the community.
Speaking during the Orientation of Covid-19 vaccine demand creation toolkits for religious leaders, Dr Amalberga Kasangala, Assistant Director of Health Promotion Section in the Ministry of Health, Gender, Elderly and Children, said religious leaders have been very supportive and many people have been listening to them, thus they are in good position to collaborate with the government in combating Covid- 19.
She said that, Covid -19 vaccine toolkits which were highlighted included weekly planner, brochure, posters, Guide for the Christian Muslim and Hindu. She added that the education provided in places of worship will help to strengthen vaccine awareness to the public.
“I commend you for joining the government in this fight for being a good ambassador for providing Covid-19 vaccines education since the pandemic has caused many deaths in the world,” She said,
She noted that, after reviewing the Covid-19 vaccine demand creation toolkits, it will be presented to the Ministry of health for approval and later to be used by these leaders nationwide.
She further, said that , education on Covid-19 vaccine will encourage people to go for Covid -19 vaccine to reduce the spread of the disease in the community.
Dr Kasangala pointed out that the response has been positive after the government came up with various strategies to mobilize the community through health expert’s nationwide to get vaccinated to reduce infections and deaths.
The government will continue to advise the citizens to take precautionary measures, including wearing masks, and avoid overcrowding.
United States Agency International Development (USAID), Representative, Ms Lulu Msangi commended the government and religious leaders for their commitment to raise awareness about the pandemic in the country.
Ms Msangi added that USAID will continue to offer various guidance to ensure that people are informed on all measures in fighting against not only Covid -19 but also malaria, HIV/AIDS, Family planning initiatives.
On his part, Othman Zuberi from Muslim Council of Tanzania, (Bakwata) commend the government and other health stakeholders for their involvement in preparing educational materials for the fight against Covid -19 infections.
He mentioned the materials distributed include religious textbooks, posters, brochures, weekly planner, in which religious teachings remind them to take precautions and encourage youth and the community to participate in getting the covid-19 vaccine.
Padre Paul Chobo from Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) added that when you are vaccinated you protect yourself and others and save the lives of many people in the community.
