Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) has cautioned parents against using their religious beliefs to stop their children from being immunized against different diseases.
Commenting on concerns raised by World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director Matshidiso Moeti that some e religious groups have been refusing to have their children vaccinated against diseases which puts children at high risk; CCZ General Secretary Suzan Matale says it not right for any church to deny any child the right to receive vaccination based on religious belief.
Reverend Matale says children are future leaders of any nation hence the need to have them protected from all sickness by ensuring that they receive the necessary vaccine at the appropriate time.
She says the church believes in good health of everybody including children, and that parents have in this regard a huge responsibility to ensure that the immunization of children does not make them feel out of place or think negatively about how their child will be after being immunized.
Reverend Matale says the Council of Churches of Zambia will continue to encourage churches to promote good health among their members by preventing diseases and ensuring children do not die needlessly.
Has has since encouraged parents to take their children for immunization at various clinics providing free immunization for children.