The Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN) has called for an increase in continuous preventive measures against COVID-19 and other infectious diseases in Nigeria.
The body also sued for strict implementation of the precautionary measures such as the use of face masks, observance of physical distancing, proper hand hygiene, effective waste management and environmental sanitation.
These were contained in a communique issued by the newly elected National President, Prof. Ibrahim Oreagba and his National Secretary, Dr. Abdul Rasheed Nasir at the end of the 21st National Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Association.
No fewer than 740 delegates from 26 states of the Federation, the FCT, and outside the country, including Malaysia, Ghana, Niger and Sierra Leone attended the Conference.
The 5-day event with the theme, “Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases: medico-Islamic perspectives’’ and ‘’Concept of Ibadah-friendly Hospitals Practice” was held at the Sir Ahmadu Bello Hall, State Secretariat, Three Arms Zone, Dutse, Jigawa State, between the 2nd and 6th of December, 2020.
Some members who could not make it to the venue also followed the conference virtually via Zoom from their various locations across the world, Muslim News findings revealed.
The Communiqué
The body noted and recommended that, “There is need for increased awareness and utilization of preventive measure against COVID-19 and other infectious diseases like the use of face mask, physical distancing, hand hygiene, proper waste management and environmental sanitation.
“Continuing community engagement using IEC (information, education and communication) materials to increase awareness on diseases of public health importance like COVID-19, Lassa fever, Yellow fever etc”.
Furthermore, it sued that, “Families should acquire necessary skills to heal family hurts and lower the incidence of all forms of addictions within the family and community, and individuals should follow the guidelines given by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in choosing life partners and in living the family life.
“There is need for operators of Islamic cooperatives to acquire and implement the necessary education to distinguish between halal and haram aspects of Islamic Financing.
“Ibadah (worship)-friendly services should be embraced by all health facilities and personnel to bridge the gap in fulfilling the unmet spiritual needs of patients and there is need to review the curriculum of all health training institutions to incorporate the Ibadah-friendly concepts,” it added.
The conference also implored health workers to embrace teamwork in the spirit of Islamic brotherhood to improve patient-centered care.
Pre-Conference
Before the conference officially commenced, IMAN held series of activities, including an Addiction Prevention Workshop on “Core Skills for Addiction Prevention in the Family”; Student Leadership Training on “Stable and Upright Muslim Family, a Model to Crime Control,” and a virtual annual cooperative symposium on “Prospects of Islamic Solidarities.”
The Association also conducted free medical and surgical outreaches for about 3000 patients who were treated for various medical conditions.
Prof. Oreagba added that free surgeries were performed for 65 adults and children, adding that the surgeries will continue with 500 eye surgical cases.
Attendance
The opening ceremony was graced by the Executive Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar MON, mni, ably represented by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Namadi FCIA.
In attendance were the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Dr Nuhu Muhammad Sanusi CON, represented by Kangiwa Dutse, Alhaji Ibrahim Saidu, Hakimi Dundunbus; the Permanent Secretary of Jigawa State Ministry of Health, Dr Salisu Muazu; the Former Commissioner of Health, Jigawa State, Dr Tafida Abubakar, and the Medical Director, Federal Medical Center, Birnin Kudu, Professor Suleiman Idris, who was the Chairman of the occasion.
By Abdul Waheed Shotonwa
