A non-profitable organization, Christian Aid Sierra Leone (CASL) on Wednesday, July 6,2022, commenced 3-day interactive sessions for its regional members to enhance COVID-19 vaccination in Africa and to provide a platform for members to learn from each other.
The dialogue which is titled; “Vaccine Campaign Link and Learning Convening with Christian Aid Offices” will end today.
It brings together regional members from Kenya, Nigeria, Burundi and other African countries, and representative of the Government of Sierra Leone at the Kona Lodge in Freetown.
In his welcome address, the Interim Country Manager of Christian Aid Sierra Leone, Mattia Koi Dimoh said that the current coronavirus pandemic that has had a ripple effect on the globe, adding that vaccination is the only available remedy to curb the virus. therefore, he said, the vaccine up take must be increased.
He added that the dialogue was geared towards finding resolutions to protect the African population from the severe effect of the coronavirus through vaccination, a view, he said, resonates with the vision of the organization to see an equal world where society will give opportunities to the marginalized and the less privileged.
He cited that the workload of Christian Aid has increased when compared to the past, because they have become more attached with the belief to support a system were the voices of the vulnerable would be heard.
The Pan Africa Senior Advocacy Adviser of Christian Aid, Joab Oxanda said Sierra Leone is the best country to host such engagement, adding that even though the country is still low to achieve gender equality, it is making progress in that direction.
He also said that they are also together to reflect on the work they have done and to find way to integrate policy, advocate matters relating to climate change that would further foster growth in their work in Africa.
Oxanda admonished colleagues to use the lessons learned from the pandemic and incorporate them to strengthen the health sector in the African Continent.
The Adviser of Governance in the Office of the President, Dr. Emmanuel Gaima emphasized that COVID-19 has held the world into a standstill, adding that the impact of the virus is huge, and it still lives with us.
Dr. Gaima explained that every sector of Sierra Leone’s economy and the entire African Continent has been affected by the virus, and that it seems like the virus is here to stay.
He mentioned that when the vaccine was discovered it brought hope to the world. He thereby, advised people to be fully vaccinated against the dreadful scourge.
By George M.O. Williams