Shillong, July 13: Meghalaya has upped its ante against the Covid-19 pandemic especially in the last 30 days or so by undertaking intensified vaccination drives, which is the best way to overcome the virus. But the inoculation efforts are meeting resistance with many folks hesitant about the vaccine. To get over this phobia, leaders of different faiths have lend their support to state government to reach out to the masses.

Participating in a meeting convened by Chief Secretary MS Rao at the main secretariat here on Monday, to discuss the problem of hesitancy relating to the vaccination, leaders of various faiths have expressed their willingness to give their hand of cooperation to enlighten the public on the benefits of vaccination.

Director of Health Services (MI) Dr Aman War said, “All the faith leaders who are present virtually and physically are in agreement that the vaccination is the only one good thing which can combat against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”

At the same time, he said the faith leaders have expressed that they can reach out to their people only if the government allows re-opening of the places of worship adding “the government will accordingly take a call on this matter.”

He was hopeful that with the helping hand, cooperation and enlightenment from the ‘people of God’, the government will be able to overcome the misinformation propagated against vaccination among people.

“We are also confident that with the increased number of people coming forward for vaccination, protection will be for the vaccinated, protection will also be for the people who we cannot vaccinate, and that is the children,” he said.

Stating that the more people come out for vaccination, the more it will protect the young ones, Dr War said the decision and responsibility rests on each and every household.

Action against spreading misinformation

Meanwhile, as a way of curtailing channels of misinformation on Covid-19 vaccine, the leaders of various faiths have suggested for taking action against faith leaders, media and others who are indulging in spreading wrong information about the vaccine.

According to a health official, the state is witnessing a high level of hesitancy in districts like South Garo Hills, North Garo Hills and East Garo Hills.

Director of Health Services (MI), Dr Aman War said the different faith leaders have suggested the government to come down heavily on the faith leaders who are propagating wrong information about the vaccine.

He also appealed to the media not to publish wrong information about the COVID-19 vaccination. Allow the wrong information to die a natural death, he added.