MONROVIA, December 7 (LINA) – Cultural and religious practices still pose a major challenge in the fight against the deadly Ebola virus, according to the head of the National Social Mobilization Task-force of the Ministry of Health (MOH), John Sumo.

According to Sumo, the continuous laying of hands and ritual performances by people prior to burying their dead relatives is a serious impediment in the ongoing fight against Ebola.
 
Speaking at the Information Ministry daily Ebola briefing Wednesday, Sumo indicated that unless such practices are halted by traditional and religious leaders, gains made in the fight against Ebola could be reversed.
 
“Our recent data on counties reporting Ebola cases shows that most places where cases come from are highly religiously and traditionally centered,” he asserted.
 
 Sumo added: “Prevent yourself so that together we can all preserve Liberia; it is the only country that we have and if we continue to be as we are, we will not win this fight any time soon.”
 
Latest reports from the Ministry of Health suggest that six counties - Cape Mount, Nimba, Margibi Montserrado, Bong and Sinoe-are still reporting positive cases of Ebola.
LINA
Health –Ebola
“Stop Laying Hands On  The Sick,” Church official Warns
By Decontee Wesseh (intern)
 
MONROVIA, January 7 (LINA) – “As watchmen of the gate, you are aware that prayers done in faith have no distance, and as such you are urged to stop laying hands on the sick," the National Superintendent of the Wesleyan Church of Liberia, Peter Kollie, has warned.
 
He quoted the Bible as saying: “There is a time and season for everything," adding, Liberians are in very critical times, so it’s not mandatory that religious and traditional leaders lay hands before deliverance takes place.”
 
Speaking Wednesday at the Information Ministry daily Ebola briefing in Monrovia, the Wesleyan clergyman said among the best things to do is to take food, drinks and clothing to the various Ebola Treatment Units (ETU) as a way of evangelizing and consoling affected persons.
 
“Please stop harming yourself because some ministers of the gospel have already been affected and died due to this practice,” he added.
LINA