“Closure of all borders to curb spread of COVID-19” Among Suggestions of Bishops in Benin

He went on to express the Church leaders’ appreciation to various stakeholders in the fight against the pandemic saying, “The Catholic Church salutes and pays homage to the people and institutions that are at the forefront of the fight against the coronavirus, including members of Government, the medical profession, researchers, psychologists, spiritual guides, donors, all shadow workers, families and friends of the victims.”

He added, “We encourage projects and initiatives aimed at the integral well-being of the human person and the search for a solution that takes into account the cultural and economic realities of the people.”

During the Press Conference, the President of OCCG also announced that the Bishops in the country have encouraged the government to make use of the media in sensitizing the population about the pandemic. 

“Television and radio programs should be produced; the social media should be used with a view to raising awareness among families of the risks involved with the spread of COVID-19,” the Beninese Cleric said, referencing the recommendation by Bishops in his country.

Fr. Soédé also told journalists that the Bishops have recommended “the establishment of a National Emergency Fund and an international support team to facilitate the implementation of procedures and compliance with the various protocols for recognizing the reliability of the products offered by some compatriots for the treatment of COVID-19, as well as the establishment of a Foundation for the promotion of pharmaceutical and medical research in Benin.”

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Benin has recorded at least 35 cases of COVID-19 with one death and 18 recoveries, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported.

According to Benin’s Health Minister, Benjamin Hounkpatin, the government has opted for the strategy of having COVID-19 patients treated in dedicated centres and not in the usual hospitals and clinics.

Despite limiting public gatherings and advising people to stay at home, the West African nation has not closed its airport like many countries. The Beninese Head of State and his government preferred to manage the crisis according to the threat it poses to the population, a local media reported.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.