Islamic Advisory Group reiterates commitment to polio eradication and public health priorities

9 December 2021, Cairo, Egypt – In its eighth annual meeting, the Islamic Advisory Group (IAG) reiterated its commitment to continue supporting the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, echoing its trust in the safety and effectiveness of all routine childhood vaccinations as a lifesaving tool that aligns with Islamic shariah. The meeting further emphasized the key role of the IAG in addressing public health priorities as part of its expanded mandate, which extends to improving the health and well-being of people guided by the teachings of Islam and supporting mother and child health initiatives. This year’s IAG meeting was hosted by Al Azhar Al Sharif in Cairo, Egypt, under the co-chairmanship of Al Azhar and the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA) with the participation of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). In a statement issued at the end of the one-day meeting, it was noted with optimism the decline in wild poliovirus cases in the 2 remaining polio-endemic countries of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The statement also commended the indispensable efforts made by governments, national Islamic advisory groups, religious scholars and community leaders in raising awareness about the importance of vaccination, dismissing misconceptions about the polio vaccine and overcoming vaccination refusals. As the meeting took place amid difficulties facing health services in Afghanistan affecting the availability of essentia...
Source: WHO EMRO News - Category: Middle East Health Source Type: news