Churches support vaccination

The National National
Angobe Makana receiving a dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine administered by National Capital District health authority community health worker Andrew Fauma outside Vision City Mall in Port Moresby on Monday. – Nationalpics by KENNEDY BANI

THE Papua New Guinea Council of Churches has declared its support for the Coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccines as an effective tool to protect people against the disease.
General-secretary Rev Roger Joseph told The National that the council wanted to encourage vaccination and reassure the people as there was misinformation and speculation on social media about the vaccines.

People standing in queues to get vaccinated outside Central Waigani Stop & Shop in Port Moresby on Monday.

He said churches were firmly behind the Government and Health Department to carry out awareness down to the regions.
Rev Joseph said they had taken the step to help the Government educate people on the risks of Covid-19 and the importance of getting vaccinated. “We will go to the regions and meet with all heads of churches and inform them the right information about the vaccines and they will bring that information to the people,” he said.

People registering to get vaccinated outside Vision City Mall in Port Moresby on Monday.

Rev Joseph said due to the surge in cases of the Covid-19 Delta variant, they were limiting the numbers at the meetings to 20 people and would meet with only the church heads.
He said it was important for church leaders to do their part in relaying the correct information to the people in order for them to make the best decisions about their health.

Justina Avi receiving the Johnson and Johnson vaccine administered by National Capital District health authority nurse Betty Kambao outside Central Waigani Stop & Shop in Port Moresby on Monday.

He said this would stop people from being swayed by misinformation on social media and other sources. He said the first meeting was held last week with all the church heads and next week they would start from Mamose region with a meeting to be held in Madang, followed by New Guinea Islands in Kokopo, Highlands in Chimbu and in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.