Dodoma Regional Commissioner, Mr. Anthony Mtaka has advised religious leaders to educate their followers and worshipers on the importance of COVID-19 vaccination, as a protection measure against the pandemic. He gave the advice here when he met with the religious leaders, saying if their believers are well informed, then they will make a decision to go and get vaccinated against the pandemic, which is costing lots of lives.
Mr. Mtaka during the meeting which also drew political leaders, elders' councils and leaders of person with disabilities organisations, said capacity building and awareness was key for making informed decision. "As leaders of scores of people from all walks of life, play your part well by educating the public on the benefits you get when you are vaccinated, especially now that the Government has decided to bring in the vaccination," he insisted.
The RC said the Government has left the consent for one who be vaccinated at one's will but has the obligation to educate the public on the importance of the vaccination so that they can make informed decision. He said the Government as well as political and religious leaders need to raise awareness on the right knowledge on the vaccination and give them room to decide whether to go for it or not.
On his part, representative of the Regional Medical Officer, Samuel Seseja counselled the leaders that the vaccine is safe and it may have minor side-effects to some people as it is the case with other medicine. The leaders were availed with the needed information on the COVID-19 vaccine and were given a chance to air their concern and worries which were elaborated by the medical personnel in attendance.
On her part, Regional Administrative Secretary, Dr. Fatma Mganga urged the leaders to educate the communities to take all health precaution, including vaccination in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic.