COVID -19, RELIGION AND VIOLATION OF THE NIGERIA CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL PROTOCOLS: AN ETHICAL CONCERN

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic has posed serious threats to many nations of the world with millions of deaths so far recorded across the globe. Governments all over the world have implemented strategies to curtail the spread of the virus. In Nigeria guidelines were provided by the NCDC to prevent the spread of the virus across worship centers in the Nation. Religious bodies, however, have not fully adhered to these guidelines. Poor engagement and involvement of religious leaders in public health policy making and strategies, inadequate funding of religious institution, illiteracy, distrust for government have been noted to be among the reasons for this. The continued spread of the virus, increasing moral decadence and distrust for the ruling class has been noted to be among the consequences for the violation of the guidelines by religious bodies. Increase funding of religious institutions by the government, provision of technical support to religious institutions and involving religious leaders across different levels of policy making and strategies for public health interventions were noted to be important in improving acceptance of COVID-19 guidelines and protocols in Nigeria thereby curtailing the spread of the virus.