NAIROBI, NOVEMBER 25, 2014(CISA) – “This is a disease that can be handled and this is a crisis we will overcome but only if we work together,” the General Secretary of World Council of Churches (WCC), Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit has said.
“Let us work together with all those who have good will, knowledge and competence that is needed,” Rev Olav urged participants at the opening of a regional forum on the role of faith communities on addressing Ebola.
Speaking via a video link from Cyprus, he asked the world to collaborate in order to tackle the Ebola crisis.
Speaking during the same function, Dr Ian Njeru, Head of Disease Surveillance and Response Unit in Ministry of Health, Kenya said there was need to involve the church in Ebola preparedness especially in carrying out public education and advocacy.
“Almost every homestead in Kenya goes to church and we need to get this information on Ebola to the community. Information is likely to reach the community through the church,” said Dr Ian.
Dr Ian added that Kenya was fully prepared to tackle the outbreak of the disease with the ongoing health workers training as well as public awareness message.
The ongoing forum being held at the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) Conference Centre, Nairobi has brought together health professionals and Church health associations, Councils of Churches, religious leaders, theologians and representatives from the Africa Christian Health Associations Platform (ACHAP).
Others participants include; Ecumenical Pharmaceutical Network,(EPN) All Africa Conference of Churches, the World Council of Churches, Theological Institutions, UN agencies, ACT Alliance, Faith communions , Caritas Internationalis, and other critical stakeholders.
According to WHO a total of 15 145 Ebola cases have been confirmed especially in West Africa with 5420 reported deaths.
