Dubai: Muslim physicians in the UAE were urged to join together to end polio and improve child health this week, on the occasion of World Polio Day.
The Federation of Islamic Medical Associations (FIMA), a global organisation founded in 1981 to foster the unity and health of Muslim medical and health care professionals worldwide, called on all Muslim physicians to show their commitment towards the disease.
The Muslim Physicians’ Call to Action on Polio Eradication and Children’s Health, which is being signed by Muslim physicians from around the world, will outline a number of actions required by leaders and stakeholders in the Muslim world to eradicate polio.
Dr Jamil Itani, a pediatrician and Medical Director at ProVita International Medical Centre in Abu Dhabi, said leaders in the Muslim world have played a vital role in advancing eradication efforts and supporting childhood immunisation.
However, pockets of polio still remain in Nigeria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan and Syria.
As of October 2014, Pakistan accounts for more than 80 per cent of cases globally and remains the largest exporter of the disease, with more than 200 cases detected in 2014 alone.
“We now have a unique opportunity to declare our commitment to eliminating this disease and make a difference. We urge all Muslim physicians in the UAE to unite together and show their support for this worthy cause,” said Itani.
Dr Yagob Al Mazrou, Secretary General-Health Services Council, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, added “Polio is still affecting parts of the Islamic world, but we can eradicate it. I encourage my fellow physicians across the Muslim world to join us in this urgent effort to end polio and protect children against all vaccine preventable diseases.”
Over the next few months, FIMA will continue to amass signatories with the goal of bringing thousands of physicians together in solidarity for children’s health.
Physicians can join the call to action here.
