MANILA, Oct. 19, 2014—The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)’s Episcopal Commission on Health Care (ECHC) expresses assurance it is one with the Philippine government in educating the public on the nature of Ebola virus, especially on how it can be prevented.
In a recent interview over Church-run Radyo Veritas, CBCP-ECHC executive secretary Fr. Dan Cancino said the commission is conducting information dissemination campaigns in different parishes and schools all over the Philippines.
“We are helping spread information on Ebola. We are also encouraging hospitals to take part in this drive, as well as other institutions. We are also involving Catholic schools,” he said.
The priest explained the killer virus has to be taken seriously as it continues to pose a real threat to the health and lives of people worldwide.
While the country is as yet Ebola-free, Cansino stressed tackling this problem requires intense cooperation among various organizations to ensure the virus will not to enter Philippine territory.
The priest shared Catholic hospitals are also gearing up for the worst-case scenario in the likelihood of an Ebola “invasion”.
Cansino encourages parish priests to include information on the virus, with special focus on preventive measures, in the Holy Mass and in other church activities.
“Education is the best way to prevent Ebola,” he noted.
The Deparment of Health (DOH) had earlier assured the public government hospitals are prepared for Ebola.
The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention has predicted between 550,000 and 1.4 million individuals in West Africa will have been affected by the virus by January 2015.
At least 2,210 people have been confirmed dead due to Ebola. (Raymond A. Sebastián)