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THE Western Cape branch of the IMA has been involved in numerous community activities over the past years. Some of the activities are highlighted below.
Diabetes awareness
The IMA conducted health awareness workshops in collaboration with the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) and Eli Lilly to focus on how diabetes should be managed when fasting, the benefits and challenges of fasting, and additional religious or medical questions that would assist the community during Ramadaan.
Breast cancer awareness programme (Pink Hijaab Day)
IMA in collaboration with Voice of the Cape conducted a screening and awareness programme which kicked off in 2015 and has been running annually with great success, Alhamdulillah. The IMA presented a short medical talk and provided manual breast examinations by female general practitioners (GPs) and nursing staff. About 700 ladies usually attend these sessions. The risk factors, early warning signs and symptoms of breast cancer are explained to the audience. The aim of the breast cancer awareness programme is to empower women to take charge of their health. Knowing their breasts, being able to identify changes, understanding how early detection could improve the quality of life and, ultimately, save lives. Abnormalities found during the screening sessions are referred for further investigation to the Breast Clinic at Groote Schuur Hospital should the patient not have medical aid.
10km Big Walk
More than 20 000 walkers usually participated in this annual event, which raises funds for Red Cross Children’s Hospital, among others. IMA has an exhibition stand at the venue during this time, where health screening is conducted and health-related advice is offered to participants by GPs, nurses, dieticians and medical students. The walk itself is staffed by close to 60 volunteer healthcare professionals, ranging from emergency physicians, general practitioners, ICU and general nurses, physiotherapists and massage therapists. At times, close to 200 patients need assessment, with minimal cases needing hospitalisation, Alhamdulillah.
COVID-19 projects
ITV presentations
Since the start of the COVID-19 lockdown, we hosted a twice weekly segment on the Akhlan Akhee Breakfast Show. Most topics covered were COVID-19 related, i.e. medical updates, psychological support, healthcare professionals’ COVID recovery reflections, The importance of physical activity, death certification and burial protocols, as well as domestic violence during lockdown were some of the pertinent topics covered.
Al Jeem International
A weekly show called the Pulse was hosted by Dr Salim Parker on Al Jeem International covering all updates on COVID-19.
Mask project
About 12 000 masks were produced and distributed via hospitals, clinics, community organisations and women’s shelters. The military also handed out masks on the streets with training of how to use them correctly. The research vessel, SA Agulhas, also received masks for their scientific voyage to Marion Island.
Feeding scheme
We partnered with community organisations Langa Zimisile Trust, Jabulani, CAHF, Hanover Park CAN, Invisible Hands and community leaders and mosques. Food parcels and ingredients for cooking of food were supplied to various areas of the Cape and Overberg region, Alhamdulillah.
Burial rights of COVID-positive patients – training programme for toekamannies
- IMA, in collaboration with the MJC, conducted a training course over a three-week period on burial protocols for COVID-positive patients.
- A graduation ceremony was held for the 40 successful participants who were certified to perform burial rights according to protocol, Alhamdulillah.
Isolation facilities for healthcare professionals
- Two separate venues were secured as isolation units for healthcare professionals who were living with elderly parents or high risks patients in their homes.
- Units were located on Kromboom Road and St George’s Mall, Cape Town.
- The facilities were offered to us at no charge, Alhamdulillah.
- Decontamination of the units were done at the end of each person’s stay.
- A general practitioner kept contact with all who were housed at the units during their need for isolation.
- The landlords were acknowledged for their contribution towards caring for our frontline workers, Alhamdulillah.
Home-based care programme
A training programme with St John’s Ambulance Services was conducted for home-based carers. This is a collaborative effort with the NGO, Ubuntu Elderly Care (UEC). It is envisaged to train at least 30 carers to be placed onto a database for employment in Cape Town. An Islamic ethos would be incorporated into the care service.
GBV series
IMA embarked on an initiative of conscientising the community about the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV). We partnered with Radio 786 to host a series of talks expounding on the magnitude and impact of GBV. We hope that it may have helped even just one person out there to know that being abused is never okay.
Muslim Views articles
IMA Western Cape makes regular monthly submissions to the Muslim Views health column. Jazaak’Allah to all our authors.
Radio programmes
We have a regular weekly slot on Radio 786 where healthcare information is made available to the community in an interactive way, Alhamdulillah.
Circumcision clinics
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We assist needy patients with paediatric circumcisions. Patients are screened for eligibility to qualify for the programme.
Renal dialysis
This continues to be one of our major projects which offers a life-line to needy patients who are in renal failure. Zakaah and Lillah funds are sorely needed to help save a life. Please support this initiative by contacting our office on Tel: 021 762 1414/ Email: imasa.wcape@gmail.com
Issued by IMA Western Cape
