JOURNALS

ABSTRACT

The relationship with the transcendent or sacred has a strong influence on a people’s beliefs, attitudes, emotions and behaviour. Nations, communities, families and individuals have always found solace through their religious or philosophical beliefs during times of adversity and widespread anxiety or disaster. The COVID 19 pandemic experience is not an exception. Since its emergence in Wuhan, China in December 2019, COVID-19 has affected almost all the continents of the world including Africa. The daily real-time reporting of the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened panic and fear in people, as the number of cases and deaths recorded globally continues to increase. COVID-19 has continued to adversely affect the whole world despite different measures adopted to prevent its spread. One of the ways to manage infectious diseases is to ensure the normal functioning of the immune system. By using the concept of religion in relation to African Traditional Religion, Christianity and Islam, this article examined the role of religion in developing positive emotions which in turn triggers immune boosting for the protection of human body against COVID-19. It recommends among others the need for people to deepen their religious faith to reduce the stress associated with COVID-19 pandemic through positive emotions; and the need for people of all professions and religious faiths to spread God’s love and hope to family members, neighbours, friends, and anyone else in need. These will help people to stay healthy and develop strong immunity to resist COVID-19.