To help Malaysia’s 6.5 million Buddhists celebrate Wesak Day in the midst of movement control orders, and to help answer questions and offer support in a time of uncertainty, WHO published guidance for religious leaders and faith-based groups in the context of COVID-19.
WHO’s general advice covers cleaning and hygiene in places of worship, information on safely holding gatherings where they are permitted, using technology to maintain community and continue worship, performing safe burials, safely paying respects to sacred or devotional objects, and supporting vulnerable community members.
To adapt this general guidance to the Buddhist community, WHO worked closely with the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism. Together, they devised a set of six simple, positive tips, beautifully illustrated, depicting small family groups worshipping or safe temple-based activities. To build a safe online community, the illustrations were shared on social media with the hashtag #WesakAtHome.
WHO has recognizes that religious and spiritual leaders are a key source of support, comfort and advice for the communities they serve, and can play a life-saving role in encouraging healthy practices and offering guidance in a time of uncertainty. The guidance will help them better protect their communities throughout the pandemic.
Online, the messages were shared by partners including the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations Development Programme Malaysia.
Read the full WPRO story on how WHO partnered with faith-based organizations in Malaysia