IMAMS TO PREACH ON AVIAN FLU

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 DOHA 000552

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AMED KFLU PREL CASC QA
SUBJECT: IMAMS TO PREACH ON AVIAN FLU

REF: 2005 DOHA 1881


1. Summary. As part of their broad strategy for preventing
and containing avian flu, Qatari officials recently held a
seminar to educate Imams, religious leaders, on the global
phenomenon avian influenza. Imams were provided with
practical information on the disease, how to detect and
respond to it as well as how it is transmitted. With this
instruction, Imams become better equipped to address the
issue in their Friday sermons, thus raising awareness and
educating the public about avian flu. This collaboration with
Imams demonstrates the government's seriousness in addressing
avian flu. End Summary.

Outreach to the Imams
--------------


2. With the spread of avian influenza reaching ever closer to
its borders, medical officials in Qatar have begun reaching
out to Imams (religious leaders) to educate them on the virus
that causes bird flu. At a recent seminar specifically
targeted for the Imams and conducted by the Ministry of
Endowments and Islamic Affairs and the National Health
Authority, doctors briefed Imams on the virus, its symptoms,
its transmission and preventive measures for fighting a
possible outbreak.


Friday Sermons as a Forum for Avian Flu Education
-------------- --------------


3. While the link between avian influenza and religious
leaders may not be immediately discernible, Qatari
authorities have clearly made the connection. Recognizing the
broad reach, respect and influence that Imams have in their
communities, Qatari officials have decided to coordinate with
Imams on raising awareness and allaying fears about avian
influenza using the forum of Friday sermons. The impact and
importance of Friday sermons cannot be underscored.
Organizers of the seminar openly acknowledged that through
their sermons, Imams could reach all sections of society and
that the impact of their sermon on this issue will far exceed
that of anyone else. To this end, on March 31, Imams began to
devote time in their sermons to the topic of avian flu.

Just the Facts
--------------


4. At the seminar, medical experts sought to dispel myths and
misconceptions about the virus. They emphasized that the
disease could not be transmitted by eating cooked chicken or
egg. Further, in often very technical and scientific detail,
the experts painstakingly reviewed how the virus was
transmitted: through direct contact with an infected bird or
through its raw meat or blood and procedures for disinfecting
an affected area and culling birds in a poultry farm.

Engaging Imams: Part of the Government's Broader Plan
-------------- --------------


5. Presenters also informed the Imams about the GOQ's
strategy for preparing and responding to avian flu, stressing
that the government's "Avian Influenza Preparedness and
Response Plan" met international guidelines of the World
Health Organization (WHO). According to the presenters
(reftel),the GOQ has developed a plan for the prevention and
containment of avian flu and established early detection and
response mechanisms. Implementation of the government's plan
appears to be proceeding on-track, if this seminar is any
indication. Outreach to and coordination with Imams to raise
the issue of avian flu during their Friday sermons was
identified in the GOQ's plan as one of the tactics for
preparing and educating the public about the virus.


6. Imams learned about available resources and how to access
them. For example, a hotline has been established and will be
operable as of 31 March to provide Imams with information on
avian flu. Imams can call this hotline to get information to
use in their Friday sermons or to answer questions posed to
them. Organizers disseminated booklets in Arabic on the virus
and also showed the Imams how to access various websites for
additional information.

Comment
--------------

7. This seminar and effort at coordination with the Imams
seem to be in keeping with the GOQ's overall strategy on and
commitment to avian influenza preparedness. While there have
not been any confirmed cases of bird flu in Qatar to date,
the GOQ appears to be stepping up its preparation for a
potential occurrence or outbreak, particularly with an eye on
the Asian Games that Doha will host in December 2006. The
GOQ's engagement with Imams on this issue is recognition of

DOHA 00000552 002 OF 002


the importance and societal influence of Imams, and further
reason why post is actively engaging them as well on other
issues.
UNTERMEYER