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