The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has appealed to the government to enhance support of Covid-19 medical supplies related to infections, protection and control to the faith based facilities.
Bishop Joseph Obanyi Sagwe from the Kakamega Catholic Diocese said the faith based facilities are playing a crucial role at the grassroots in complementing health services being offered by the government in response to infections, prevention and treatment of the pandemic, thus easing congestion in government facilities.
Bishop Obanyi said KCCB appreciates the government’s effort in providing the necessary resources and equipment to combat Covid-19. However, a lot more needs to be done to ensure that the healthcare workers are fully prepared to carry out their daily duties effectively.
The cleric was speaking during the celebration of Sunday Mass at the Holy Family Basilica, Nairobi which was also attended by the Head of the Catholic Church in Kenya Cardinal John Njue.
Bishop Obanyi urged Kenyans to strictly observe the guidelines given by the Ministry of Health to enable the country contain the spread of the disease.
“I urge every individual including children and the youth to take responsibility to protect themselves, the family and the community from this disease as we continue to entrust ourselves in the hands of God for protection,” he said.
At the same time, the Bishop commended health care workers for their dedication to save lives despite the myriad of challenges they faced in their noble cause, noting that their determination has made over 300 persons who were confirmed positive recover.
The prelate said it was worrying that a total of 830 persons had tested positive for Covid-19 by Saturday, while 50 others have since passed away.
“The Church condoles with the families of the bereaved and empathizes with the families of those who are still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic and other diseases,” he said.
Bishop Obanyi also commended journalists and the media houses for working tirelessly to enlighten the public and ensure that Kenyans are duly informed about Covid-19 and other important news.
He said journalists and the general media fraternity serves a fundamental purpose in society, hence the need to always speak the truth and report objectively, by first verifying facts, which form the basis of credible reporting.
“I call upon the media to maintain professionalism and ethics by avoiding the spread of fake news and misinformation on coronavirus that cause fear and despondency, with a view to safeguarding the mental and physical health of their consumers”, stressed Bishop Obanyi.
By Bernadette Khaduli
