Faith leaders rebuff  ‘ambush’ on Covid-19 vaccine: We’re not against jabs but Malawi government approach—Prophet Mbewe

Faith leaders on Tuesday took the government to task for allegedly ambushing them on the rollout of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccine, accusing the Capital Hill of imposing ‘an already crafted script’ on them.

Prophet David Mbewe: As faith leaders, we need to have a say on what needs to be done to have a successful vaccination campaign

Speaking in Lilongwe during his contribution during a top religious leaders orientation on Covid-19 vaccine and its acceptability in Malawi, president of the Prophetic Ministries Association of Malawi (PROMAM), Prophet David Mbewe, expressed disappointment with the way the government is handling issues surrounding the soon-to-be rolled out jab.

The Malawi Interfaith Aids Association organized the orientation meeting with funding from the Global Fund through Action and Malawi Network of People Living with HIV and Aids (MANET+).

Mbewe wondered why the government had included them in the Covid-19 Vaccination Campaign while, at the same time, closing its door to divergent opinions from faith leaders.

“From the look of things, the government already had its plan laid out and it does want any input from us. That is the problem we have with this approach because, as faith leaders, we need to have a say on what needs to be done to have a successful vaccination campaign,” said Mbewe.

However, Mbewe – who is the president and overseer of the Living Word Evangelical Church (LIWEC) and incumbent head of the Freedom of Worship Association of Malawi (FOWAM) – emphasized that churches are not against the administration of the vaccine on their followers.

“In fact, in my case, I have already started encouraging our followers to accept the vaccine to save their lives. I have also been to various religions such as Rastafarianism where I also emphasized the need for them to get vaccinated,” he said.

FOWAM Public Relations Officer, Ras Jerafaya Geoffrey Phomea, cautioned the government against underestimating the influence of faith leaders, stressing that the success and failure of the exercise depends on the acceptability of the vaccine among them.

Phomea asked the government to seriously consider working with faith leaders in every step it takes towards the administration of the vaccine.

MIAA board chairperson Bishop Gilford Matonga said the meeting was organized to solicit views on what roles faith leaders can assume and play in the administration of the vaccination.

“We want to understand what is in the vaccine and above all, how, as religious leaders, can help in its campaign for acceptance,” said Matonga.

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Assange WikiLeaks
3 years ago

If the USA presidents got vaccinated who are we to say no? If the Queen of UK got vaccinated who are we to say no? If Ramaphosa got vaccinated who are we to say no? We do you not stop newly born babies from getting vaccinated? Why did you Mbewe not stop your mother from getting you vaccinated against polio, small pox, rabies, TB, Leprosy, measles etc. Today you want to mislead us. We are not you children. We are not your brothers. You are Mbewe and you have your own life. Amene sakufuna vaccine akhale zake zimenezo. Kudwala sadwalirana.… Read more »

Thisisthegovernment
Thisisthegovernment
3 years ago

I’ll not be deterred by greedy self proclaimed prophets in their quest for extorting the government. I am determined to be vaccinated. Church leaders and their churches should not have a hand in my decision making. I am more than 21 years old and highly educated. I am looking for the day I can be vaccinated. Moreover, the vaccine is voluntary. And I may have this question or comment, You had the MMR vaccine and never questioned anything, but now your heads have grown big and you are confused. Stay the course.

Chizaso
Chizaso
3 years ago

All these seminars and then tomorrow you say money has been misused? Malawian, let us wake up. This not fair for the poor man suffering in the village without running water, electricity, and dying with covid. Why meet for what? In all these meetings, pastors demand allowances and transport reimbursement, and It is the same people who start accusing the government of corruption. The church is also part of the corrupt people. Involving the church for vaccination why? Even in America, was the church asked to consent to the process of vaccination? Ask TD Jakes no church body was consulted;… Read more »

Ndafera Nkhande
Ndafera Nkhande
3 years ago

We as Malawians have one government led by President Chakwera who is mandated to guide us in all activities of governance.Therefore it is sad that when ever government makes a decision some quarters try to make un necessary noise.If your churches have run out of funds just close and apply for a position in any organization of your choice.We elected Dr Chawera as president and leave him alone as he has advisers including the VP SCK.

Namatcheni
Namatcheni
3 years ago

Wasweka uyu.But he can still help

Copper Zain
Copper Zain
3 years ago

Iwe ndi bakha ndithu abusa sakunama sukudziwa kuti vaccine wapangidwa ndicholinga choti apulule miyoyo ya anthu a mu africa ,azungu akuti tachuluka ndiye kutsogoloku kuzakhala kobvuta kutibera ma resources athu and kuti tikachepa azizatha kutipanga control m’mene akufunira ( Bill gate ndi azimzawo plus ma president ndi anthu oyimilira olemera m’mayiko awo deal imeneyi akuyidziwa

Khekhi
Khekhi
3 years ago

Greed basi.

Amaravi
3 years ago

U want to understand what is in the vaccine?Ask the manufacturer after all they include all the detailed information in the pack koma ndi ubulutu wake kwanuko simungamve,masukani a Mbewe kuti nafenso tidyeko za covid-19 sizikuyenda chopereka mma church mu

Chisale
Chisale
3 years ago

The way he is talking, this guy want money. Money is written all over his face. What’s the problem? Do we really need these people on matters of vaccine?

ADA
ADA
3 years ago

Chamba si chabwino

Che Pichesi
Che Pichesi
3 years ago
Reply to  ADA

Ndipo inu. Fodya uja siwamasewera

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