MALAWI: It is Morally Upright to Receive Covid-19 Vaccine, Says Catholic Bishops in Malawi
Archbishop Msusa receives the Covid-19 jab
Stella Zulu Kaferapanjira
The Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) has encouraged Catholics and all people of good will in the country to get vaccinated against Covid-19. This comes after the AstraZeneca vaccine program launch in Zomba district on Thursday, by the President of the country, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera.
In a statement issued on the 11th of March, 2021, the Bishops have said their stand comes after consulting health experts and receiving guidance from decree by the President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State which was issued on 8th February 2021 on the subject of health emergencies and having listened to the Government of Malawi that it shall do its best to ensure that all eligible people in Malawi access the vaccine.
“We strongly encourage all Catholics and people of goodwill that it is morally appropriate to receive the Covid-19 vaccine that Malawi has received. We are aware of the fears and mixed feelings that some people might have towards the vaccine especially the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine that the Government of Malawi has received. We note such sentiments with care and wish to remind all people that the Church has always shared the government’s concern for the health of people,” reads the statement.
“In protecting the health of people, the Church will always advocate a means that is neither sanctioning or punitive in nature but which strikes a balance between protecting collective health and individual freedom of choice, without being oppressive to anyone,” the statement continues.
The Bishops have therefore called on Government to employ all necessary measures needed to uphold the genuineness, safety and effectiveness of the vaccine and put in place necessary measures to address the different concerns that people might have concerning the vaccine while at the same time continuing to put in place all the necessary measures to combat the spread of Covid-19.
The ECM has further advised Catholics and all people to stop and prevent the Covid-19 pandemic through vaccination to protect the weak and vulnerable members of the country.
“We strongly believe that receiving the available Covid-19 vaccine must be understood as an act of charity towards other community members and considered as an act of love of our neighbours and part of our moral responsibility for the common good. We appeal to the consciences of all Catholics and people of goodwill to take the vaccine as an urgent regulatory response to the primary need to safeguard and guarantee the health of all people,” the Bishops’ state.
Meanwhile, the ECM Chairman Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa has led Catholics to the vaccine by being among the first citizens to get vaccinated on the day of the launch of the vaccine at Zomba General Hospital field.
The Bishops have therefore, assured Government of the Church’s continued support in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic in the country and appeal to all Malawians to continue protecting themselves and others by properly wearing face masks, frequently washing hands with soap and keeping physical distance as per the guidance of COVID-19 prevention measures.
