The Catholic Diocese of Embu through its development arm Caritas has launched the Emergency Appeal and Contingency Plan to support people affected by floods and the Covid-19 pandemic.
The church, in conjunction with local and international sponsors, will join hands to supply foodstuff and other items to those in dire need.
Bishop Paul Kariuki presided over the launch at CARITAS offices in Kangaru on Wednesday during which Caritas dispatched the first consignment of items including handwashing tanks, sanitizers and facemasks to support the vulnerable.
“Christians should take care of one another. We urge Christians and other well-wishers to join us in providing food and protective equipment against Covid-19 to the poor and to those affected by floods,” noted Bishop Kariuki.
Bishop Kariuki said that there were people in the county who are in need of food, adding that there are also vulnerable children currently out of school in need of support.
He expressed concern that some ignorant people are saying that Covid-19 is a scam, amidst all the evidence globally that showing that the disease is real, contagious and is claiming lives.
“Let us all support what the government is doing and this will enable faster combating of the disease as is the case in Uganda, which has not recorded fatality while infections are falling,” added Bishop Kariuki.
Embu Public Health Director Rosaline Kaugi who graced the launch said Embu County so far has no case of Covid-19 but added that they are leaving no chances to keep the disease at bay.
Kaugi further said that some 177 people had been quarantined on suspicion of being in contact with persons with the disease, but 157 have so far been released after testing negative.
“There were 16 people with Covid-19 like symptoms whose samples we sent to Nairobi and they all tested negative,” noted Kaugi.
The health director said that her department remains vigilant by screening for high temperatures for people entering the county at the six main entry points adding that so far over 200,000 people have been screened since April 10.
Fr Alexander Mate, Caritas Director called on well-wishers to donate food items generously to enable them to reach as many people as possible including those in far-flung areas.
By Kimani Tirus
Church gives a helping hand in support of needy residents
