Rastafarian sensitization on COVID-19 vaccine

The Ministry of Health recently held a sensitization session with the Rastafarian community to inform on the COVID-19 vaccine and health policy.

Family Life Educator in the Bureau of Health Education, Naomie Grandison, said it is necessary to engage the Rastafarian community in dialogue as they also play an important part in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There are persons within the community who are interested in taking the vaccine, but the misconceptions persist,” she said. “We are hoping that the information brought forward can help them to clarify some of these misconceptions and be more open-minded. For those who have their belief and faith, we reassure them that the vaccine is voluntary. This is a policy of the government that it be voluntary and that persons not be forced to take the vaccine. This is something that is very important for their principle and their practice so they are given that assurance to help us develop that level of trust and hopefully it is not just about vaccination but also the trust and collaboration between the two groups.”

Ambassador of the Ethiopia Africa Black International Congress, Hon. Priest Kailash Leonce, said despite the Rastafarian community opposing vaccination in general, they welcomed the discussion with health officials.

“Our main focus is that the members of the Rastafari community who do choose to take the vaccine that they have the assurance that if any harm is caused to them after taking the vaccine that they will be duly compensated; or they will be taken care of if there are some adverse side effects. Also, for the people who do not intend to take the vaccine and want to maintain that principle, they have that official reassurance that will not prevent them from moving around and participating in everyday activity of their necessary economic activities.”

The Ministry of Health reminds the public that the choice to receive the COVID-19 vaccine is voluntary.