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In the interest public health, Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) appeals to the government to put some strict measures so that faith groups should comply in seeking medical attention to increase the population’s immunity.
Executive Director, George Jobe said this after noticing that women and children from faith leaders bar does not seek medical attention, which is a belief in their religous.
Jobe has urged the group to stop the malpractice and it is necessary for the government to ensure that everyone is accessing medical help to reduce infant mortality rate in the country.
“It is very sad that religious leaders are encouraging people not to seek medical treatment, especially this time of pandemic including cholera and polio. People must seek medical help for better health.” Said Jobe
Jobe has asked the government to put strong measures on the issue, saying all members of the group should must start going to hospital to be vaccinated against different diseases like polio and also seek medical assistance when they are sick.
Reverend Amos Batumeyo of Zion Apostolic Church, whose domination discourages congregants from accessing medical attention, said their rules cannot change because outsiders are seeing it bad.
Batumeyo said,“We do not stop their members from taking their children to hospital but we tell them that it is only God who heals, disease are a part of punishment which God struck mankind because of disobedience.
Yakobo Nkangala, a member of Apostolic Faith Church said religion does not stop anyone from seeking medical services but that they believe it is only God who can heal the sick.
