[Zambia] World Bank urges Church to partner with govt in poverty eradication

from The Zambia News Agency

World Bank Country Representative Dr Ohene Nyanin has called on the Church to supplement government’s efforts in fighting poverty in the country.

Dr Ohene says the Church should play a leading role by spearheading the fight against poverty.

He noted that poverty is the major challenge the country is facing, hence the need for the Church to participate in the fight, if poverty is to be fought at all the levels of the society.

Dr Ohene was speaking at the Founders Day Celebrations held at the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Lusaka today.

He pointed out that World Bank shares a common vision with the Church in the fight against poverty.

Dr Ohene also said there is need for the church to help the government to deal with the enormous challenges that have rocked country so as to help contribute to national development.

Meanwhile, Dr Ohene has prodded the Church to implement measures that will help to spearhead the fight against HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Dr Ohene said the church has a unique role to play by providing practical help to the poor and HIV/AIDS patients.

He charged that the fight against HIV/AIDS scourge is an enormous challenge which needed concerted efforts from government, the Church and other stakeholders.

Dr Ohene has since commended the church for the role it has continued to play by providing shelter and food to the needy in societies.

Speaking earlier at the same function, Reverend Michael Gondwe said African Episcopal Church will continue to partner with government in combating HIV/AIDS scourge in Zambia.

Rev Gondwe explained that African Episcopal Church was founded in 1787 in the United States of America and has since been involved in developmental programmes, such as providing home based care and education to the vulnerable in Zambia.

And African Episcopal Church Bishop Reverend Paul Kawimbe has urged Zambians to be grateful for the peace the country has been enjoying since independence.

Rev Kawimbe noted that the peace that Zambia has been enjoying has greatly helped to enhance economic development.