AFRICA/SIERRA LEONE - Stigma and discrimination, Ebola also jeopardizes religious practices

Tuesday, 30 December 2014

Makeni (Agenzia Fides) - Ebola will have a long impact in Sierra Leone. The total population is 63.48,350 people. To December 19 the total number of cases recorded were 8880 among suspected, probable and confirmed. According to what the Camillian Task Force engaged in the Country reported to Agenzia Fides, deaths linked to the virus are 2529 always among suspected, probable and confirmed cases.
1326 confirmed cases were cured and many people managed to survive. The virus continues to bring consequences in many areas, even in religious practices. In the church, for example, only three people are allowed to sit on each bench. Even when people enter the church, they have to wash their hands with chlorine. People do not give each other the sign of peace to avoid shaking hands. Baptisms, anointing of the sick, weddings are not celebrated. This year there was no Christmas Eve and in most parishes only a single mass was celebrated.
There are many orphans as well as survivors who are discriminated against due to the consequences of Ebola. Stigma and discrimination also for those who bury the dead of Ebola because in direct contact with the carriers. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 30/12/2014)


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