MARAWI CITY—The Ministry of Health (MOH) of the Bangsamoro Government convened a coordination meeting on January 4, with religious agencies to bolster health literacy in the region.

Accordingly, religious sectors in the Bangsamoro region, including the Da'wah Committee, Bangsamoro Darul Ifta, Hayyattul Ulama, Madaris, and Masjid, affairs play a crucial role in promoting health awareness and education of key areas in health programs in the grassroots communities.

During the meeting, MOH unveiled a progressive plan to utilize Masjids (mosques), Madaris, and tri-media platforms as settings for health education initiatives aimed not only at addressing immediate health concerns but also at laying the groundwork for sustainable and resilient health practices in the region.

“The religious leaders at the community level are very influential. We are very optimistic that partnership and collaboration with them in health promotion would be crucial in achieving great impact and outcome,” said Saida Ali, MOH Health Education Promotion Section Head.

MOH outlined specific strategies for implementation in partnership with religious committees, including the development of health-focused curriculum materials based on seven (7) healthy priority areas of the Department of Health, training sessions for religious leaders on health-related topics, and the incorporation of health awareness campaigns with Islamic perspectives during Friday prayers.

These methods determine the importance of grassroots engagement in shaping public health outcomes by uniting the strengths of healthcare professionals and Muslim religious leaders and creating a harmonious and well-informed community that prioritizes the health and well-being of its citizens.

Ustadj Marhan Borhan of Da’wah Affairs underscored the significance of collaboration between the government and the religious sector, particularly in implementing health programs and delivery of services in the region.

“This initiative will empower the religious sectors in dealing with health challenges from an Islamic perspective while learning and gaining its benefits in practicing it,” Borhan said.

Ustadj Amerudin Sabdullah of the Hay-Atul Ulama and Shariah is grateful for the initiative. He said it will foster better partnership and cooperation in promoting an inclusive and healthy Bangsamoro for all.

Representatives from the Bangsamoro Information Office, Bangsamoro Youth Commission, and Bangsamoro Planning Development Authority attended the meeting. (BIO/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)