Various traditional authorities and church leaders said that getting vaccinated against the novel coronavirus is a moral responsibility that provides a high degree of protection against infection.

They called for massive vaccination among their loyalists.

The assertions were shared with Nampa during a recent joint conference between the Kakurukouje Traditional Authority of Chief Vemui Tjambiru and pastor Safoomundu Kalusha Petrus of the Opuwo Christian Community Church, where they underscored the importance of vaccination and other educational drives currently underway with the Kunene regional health directorate meant to build trust in COVID-19 inoculation and pushing their subjects to get the injection.

Tjambiru stated that no one is safe unless everyone is vaccinated against the virus, adding that he received his two doses in April and July, noting that the COVID-19 educational drive has reached his jurisdiction in Etanga and that most of his subjects are now well aware of the virus and have started taking the jab.

He said the health directorate approached them knowing the role they play in society; they are the ones closer to the people and are more respected and people are always willing to do what their leaders ask of them.

“Our people have put trust in us now more than ever and therefore we believe that we have a huge role to play in encouraging them to get vaccinated in order to reduce the rate of the virus spreading and returning to our normal lives,” added Tjambiru.

Petrus echoed Tjambiru’s statement, saying these campaigns play a significant role in communicating the seriousness of the disease and providing necessary means and information – vaccination, social distancing, wearing of face masks – to combat the virus spread, not just to churchgoers but also among hard-to-reach communities.

He said most church services, “some” that used to benefit the less disadvantaged have been halted due to the virus, adding that the only way to recommence with these services is for everyone to get vaccinated.

Beyond pushing for mass vaccination, Petrus mentioned that the church has taken up the onus of informing its congregation through various educational campaigns alongside the health officials on the implications of the virus and its effects on the economy.

Both leaders concluded by saying that leaders should spread the positive information on the COVID-19 vaccine, pushing for everyone to trust the process and get vaccinated.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency