Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Oran (Agenzia Fides) – The Oran Bishop's Office has issued a statement on the “grave health situation” being experienced recently and urges all the faithful, “as the diocesan Church,” to “work and fight together against the dengue epidemic that threatens us.”
The text, which was signed by Msgr. Andres Buttu, Diocesan Administrator of Oran, affirms that although the provincial and municipal authorities have made a great effort to uproot this problem, “we are concerned that the results continue to be insufficient. We are not trying to scare the society at large, but there should be an effort on all our part to take responsibility in preventing and uprooting all that provokes it.”
Msgr. Buttu says that the classic dengue is also being added on to by cases of hemorrhagic dengue, “with a worrisome prospect, if no urgent and efficacious plan is adopted in stopping this disease.” Thus, he considers it of great urgency that the zone establish a research center for tropical illnesses and with the necessary resources and personnel to attend to the health of the people. “Stalling and taking ineffective measures is a serious responsibility,” the Diocesan Administrator warned.
He mentions the need for the entire population to promote the fight against dengue. “We need a change of mentality, which implies the commitment of each citizen to work towards the common good, completing the tasks that are within his reach...With our disposition, we hope to prevent disease and save human lives. This is a demand of Christian charity. Not fulfilling it would be a serious sin of omission.”
Since this past February 9, the northern part of Argentina has been suffering from an extreme disaster. A mudslide including tree-trunks has covered the city of Tartagal, in the province of Salta.
A countless loss of materials has left hundreds of families destitute. Although the clean-up of the remains, the mud, and the tree-trunks has advanced thanks to good weather, other problems have arisen in the areas of health, education, and public services. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 18/3/2009)
