By Amin Kef Sesay
Out of a commitment to deepen cooperation towards arresting the third Wave of COVID-19, NaCOVERC and the Inter Religious Council, in a Communique dated 7th July, 2021, signed by Archbishop Dr. Edward Tamba Charles as President of the Inter-Religious Council and Hon. Sheku F. Bangura, as Chairman of NaCOVERC, have stated that whereas Sierra Leone is currently witnessing a third wave of COVID-19 Pandemic, defined by rising case-loads, increased positivity, hospitalization and deaths; the two institutions recognize the imperative of public health and safety, and appreciate the immense contribution of the inter-faith community towards addressing the first and second waves of the pandemic in Sierra Leone.
They continued that, further mindful of the broadcast of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio on July 1st 2021, announcing a range of interventions to suppress the current wave of infections in the country, and urging national ownership of the fight and compliance at all levels and acknowledging the role of the Inter Religious Council in community engagement and promoting behavior change, it was resolved to consult with and fully engage the Inter-Religious Council on matters touching and concerning the inter-faith community in the fight against COVID-19 in Sierra Leone.
The Communique further pointed out that the Inter-Religious Council appreciates the advice of the scientific community in formulating appropriate public health policies and advisories to tackle the current wave of the pandemic, and pledges its full faith and commitment to be collaborating with NaCOVERC at all material times of the COVID-19 Response.
It additionally stated that both sides have agreed to strengthen the framework of cooperation, including setting up a communication and mobilization hub focusing on vaccine roll-out, COVID-19 compliance generally, and addressing misinformation and disinformation.
According to what was stated both sides wish to convey thanks and appreciation to His Excellency the President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, development partners and the inter faith community for the tremendous patience and understanding showed in these difficult times and urged sustained compliance to ensure that the country bend the curve of the third wave and resume normal religious and other activities.
