E/R: Catholic priests help in fight against Covid-19

The Koforidua Diocesan Priests Association of the Roman Catholic Church-Ghana has donated medical supplies and PPEs to 15 Catholic health facilities operating under the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG).

The items are to support the health care systems and personnel in dire need of these supplies in the fight against Covid-19.

Three out of the 15 facilities are managing Covid-19 cases already.

The Items include surgical masks, gloves, N-95 masks, hand hygiene items, among others.

President of the Association Very Rev. Fr. Joseph A.A. Asumadu, who led the priests to give out the donation to the facilities, explained that “the hospitals may not have enough PPEs, [therefore] it was prudent individuals and other stakeholders supported”.

He added: “As ministers of the word and shepherds of souls, we feel that this is the right time to show what we preach by offering our widow’s mite to support this cause. No matter how small it is, we know it can go a long way to help the health practitioners fight Covid-19.”

Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Koforidua Monsignor Francis Twum Barimah noted that “the government cannot provide for all”.

“[The government] alone cannot do it. Not only the church, but everybody may have to come in. When efforts are put together, we would be able to fight this virus.”

He raised concerns frontline workers were being stigmatized against.

“It is unfortunate frontliners are being stigmatized but I believe through education, it will reduce. The fact that one is affected doesn’t mean one cannot be cured.”

Twenty-one health personnel have been infected with the virus in the line of duty and from community infection.

Seven of them have recovered, nonetheless.

Eastern Region has 49 active cases now.

Total case count, however, is 134 out of a total of 8,297 for the country.

By Yvonne Neequaye|3news.com|Eastern Region|Ghana