MARAWI CITY (PIA) —The Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Health (MOH) convened a three-day writeshop from April 23-25 in Davao City to craft the seven health priority areas with Islamic perspectives.

In partnership with Muslim religious leaders (MRLs), such as the Bangsamoro Darul Ifta' (BDI), Hay-ato Ulama El-Muslimina Bil-Filibbin, Committee on Da'wah wa Masajid Affairs, and Lajnatul Tarbiya Wa Ta'leem, the activity was aimed to develop modules for health promotion materials, education, and communication aligned with the Department of Health's (DOH) Seven Priority Areas.

These areas include diet, exercise, environmental health, immunization, substance use, mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and violence and injury prevention.

The module will guide the MRLs and health promotion officers on integrating Islamic values into health campaigns and awareness to counter distrust and improve health campaign strategies.
MRLs will leverage their influence in selected Masajid (mosques) every Friday to advocate for a healthy lifestyle based on the DOH's Seven Priority Areas.

"We have encountered community resistance, particularly with vaccination programs, and we hope that through collaboration and partnership, we can mitigate, if not eradicate, this issue and encourage our Bangsamoro people to adopt health norms in the region," remarked MOH Minister Dr. Rizaldy Piang.

He emphasized the importance of optimizing collaborative health information efforts, noting that children, who are frequently the most impacted, often lack sufficient knowledge about health.

Dr. Zul-Qarneyn Abas, MOH Deputy Minister, highlighted that this extensive partnership exemplifies Moral Governance in the region.

Moreover, MOH Deputy Minister Dr. Zul-Qarneyn Abas highlighted that this extensive partnership between the MRLs and the Bangsamoro government exemplifies Moral Governance in the region.

"Based on surveys, MRLs have played a crucial role in implementing the health programs surpassing any famous personalities, local leaders, and medical practitioners because their figure is trusted and well-respected which can influence healthcare promotion and engagement on a communal scale,” Abas said.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) organized a three-day writeshop to integrate Islamic perspectives in the seven health priority areas. The writeshop was held in Davao City on April 23-25, 2024. (Photo courtesy of MOH)

The BDI pledged its support to MOH in disseminating information to promote healthy habits within the community.

Ustadj Nhurol-am Abdullah, the chair of the Da’wah Committee and Masajid Affairs, expressed gratitude for the government's acknowledgment of their role in health promotion. 

"We are hoping that this partnership in crafting this module will serve as a guide to change the mindset of our people to provide a positive impact on their negative health behavior and perceptions, In Shaa Allah," he said.

MOH's Health Promotion Unit and Communications Management Unit led the activity. 

Republic Act No. 11223, also known as the Universal Health Care Act of 2019, mandates the Health Promotion Bureau to strengthen the country's healthcare system by facilitating health promotion activities to enhance health literacy. (BIO, PIA Region 10-Lanao del Sur)