Catholic Priest says churchs facilities not to be used in measles vaccination

The Catholic Church has refused to comply with the government’s directive to curb measles and rubella in children under 14 years by administering the vaccine.

The Ministry of Health decreed that children aged below 14 years should be vaccinated so as to protect them from contracting measles and rubella diseases.

However, the Catholic Church has heavily distanced itself from the immunization exercise deeming it ‘not safe’.

“The catholic church does not support this new immunization plan of measles, rubella and tetanus. This is because there is no guarantee that vaccine is safe therefore the church will not take part in the exercise until the government ascertains the church it is safe,” said Father G. Matolo of Masinga.

Catholics, Catholic-owned facilities and officials have remained unreceptive of anyone who comes to them with the intention of conducting the vaccine on their children.

“Our facilities should not be used. Our schools, hospitals, churches and doctors together with our nurses will not be used in this arrangement,” he said while speaking at Thatha Parish in Masinga.

The Catholic Church says it will stay out of the exercise until the government assures them that indeed the vaccination is safe. Father Matolo affirmed that the church is also a prime stakeholder in the health sector in the country.