Religions for Peace’s Multi-Religious Humanitarian Fund Supports the Interreligious Council of Uganda’s Efforts Against the Ebola Virus Outbreak

Religions for Peace, International aligns itself with the statement made by the Interreligious Council of Uganda (IRCU)  and through Religions for Peace‘s Multi-Religious Humanitarian Fund, is supporting IRCU’s direct emergency response with the provision of a seed grant.

The seed grant donation to IRCU funds the Council’s national activities that strengthen the capacity and coordination of religious leaders to prepare and respond to public health emergencies by facilitating religious leaders to become Ebola prevention advocates. Religious leaders of some of the oldest faith-based institutions will be equipped with key messages for their sermons and public communication, as well as with the capacity to identify issues related to specific cultural practices and practices that can reduce the risks of transmission of the virus. Additionally, IRCU Secretariat is developing a pastoral letter on Ebola prevention, detection and treatment translated in various local dialects.  Partnership with the Ministry of Health and District Health Officers will provide religious leaders with reliable medical and scientific knowledge about the disease and notably its transmission. The grant also funds activities that support prevention, early detection and referral of Ebola virus disease affected individuals and communities by leveraging IRCU’s infrastructure of leadership from member bodies and calling on the power of voluntarism from community-based volunteers as well as the social mobilisation of community. Risk communication and educational awareness messages translated into local languages will be developed and delivered by trusted community and religious leaders oriented to deliver them faithfully to help combat rumors and overcome community resistance. IRCU will act as a resource and interface between government, civil society organisations, and the target communities. Since the arrival of the missionaries in Uganda, the faith-based organisations have become an integral part of the history of the country; shaping economic, health, social welfare and education sectors of the country including being the most trusted advocacy institutions in the country with a clear unrivalled acceptability and coverage.

Religions for Peace, International is proud to support its successful national partner and applauds the Council for its rapid and diligent response.