Central Health Board
of Khoja Shia Ithna-asheri Supreme Council    
P. O. Box 6710   Tel:255-22-2150897   Fax: 255-22-2150964
Email: federation@raha.com,  Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

CHB NEWS BULLETIN No: 7/2007

Chairman’s message.

Muharram & Azadari:

As we enter the new Islamic calendar year, the traditional phenomenon is seen amongst the followers of Ahlul Bait (as). The New Year in all cultures and religion is always welcomed with celebrations whereas for us, we welcome a New Year with mourning. The mourning in Muharram brings with it the memory of the greatest sacrifice in the history of mankind, that of Imam Husayn (as) the King of Martyrs, a grandson of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (saww), along with that of his noble family and friends.

Azadari is an important institution and we have the moral responsibility to keep it alive so as to cultivate and nurture Islamic conscience in each of us including our children and their descendants to remain committed to the message of Imam Husayn (as) in the cause of Islam and pledge to resist the oppression of injustice, immorality, inequity and falsehood. This is the time to take lessons from the event of Karbala. The essence of Ghadeer and Karbala both should be kept vibrant and translated into a meaning in life reinforced with piety.

Following is a quote from the famous Christian historian Edward Gibbon who was inspired to write in his book “The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" while on a trip to Rome in 1764.

"The Martyrdom of Husayn (as) is such a tragedy that it inspires a feeling of deepest sympathy and regard even in the coldest of heart”.

A brief report of CHB Activities:
 

Dar Es Salaam - Ramadhan Mini Health Screening:

A total of 727 people, 462 gents and 265 Ladies participated in this first of its kind “Mini Health Screening Program” organized jointly by the Central Medical Board of Dar Es Salaam Jamaat and the Central Health Board of Africa Federation. The primary purpose of the exercise was to awaken the community towards good health care, the holy month of Ramadhan (October 2006) being the most convenient time for such activity. It also provided the young doctors and the volunteers a sense of pride and belonging to be of service to the community. The results below speak for itself, the need for serious efforts to improve the health status and consciousness of our community through wellness awareness, health education at schools and preventative health care programs for all.

Statistics:

NB:

       Each of the above variables is expressed in percentage of the total male or female population respectively except for the total number of participants screened which is expressed in percentage of the combined total population.

       BMI < 20 considered underweight, 20-25 considered normal, 25-30 considered overweight and > 30 considered obese.

       Mild HT >140-159 systolic and/or >90-100 diastolic, Moderate HT 160-179 systolic and/or 100-110 diastolic, >180 systolic and/or >110 diastolic.

       New Hypertensive patients (HT) were diagnosed based on a single reading hence caution is advised when interpreting the above figures.                                                                                

The World Federation President, Dr. Hassam meets the CHB team:

Africa Federation Chairman, Alhaj Ramzanali Nanji visits Ebrahim Haji Charitable Health Centre in Dar Es Salaam:

On 13^th January 2007, the President of the Federation of the K. S. I. Jamaats of Africa, Alhajj Ramzanali Nanji paid a visit to Ebrahim Haji Ithna-Asheri Charitable Health Centre in the company of Dar Es Salaam Jamaat President, Alhajj Anver Dharamsee, Chairman of the Central Health Board, Alhajj Aunali Khalfan, Chairman of the Housing Development Committee, Alhajj Akil Hirji and the Medical Director, Dr. Jamil Merali and other senior staff of EHICHC. 

Alhajj Ramzanali was shown around the newly renovated dental clinic also equipped with a new dental chair and modern fixtures. On the same floor, the physiotherapy and autoclave rooms have been renovated & refurbished to the latest standard. At the inpatient ward on the third floor, the work was in progress to provide 5 bed modern inpatient facility with latest amenities for the patients. The plan is to progress renovation of the old building and upgrade medical equipment in phases.

During the meeting that followed the visit, Alhajj Ramzanali emphasized the importance to improve facilities but at the same time underscored the need to educate the community members to be mindful of healthcare, saying – “Prevention is better than cure”. Alhajj Ramzanali liked the plan to make the Ebrahim Haji in Dar Es Salaam as the “Referral” hospital for the patients, especially from areas where medical facilities are either not available or not to the required standards. Alhajj Ramzanali pointed out the need to ensure that welfare patients get good attention and treatment at reasonable charges. He pledged to support the ongoing efforts of the Health Board of the Dar Es Salaam Jamaat through the Central Health Board (CHB).

The Dar Es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Hon. Abbas Hussein Kandoro inaugurates the Ashura Blood Donation:

On Sunday, January 28, 2007 (8^th Muharram 1428 AH), the Blood Group Sub-Committee of the Central Health Board (CHB) organized the “Blood Donation Camp” to donate blood for the sick and needy patients in Tanzania. This is an annual event to commemorate the great martyrdom of Imam Husayn (as). The camp was inaugurated by Hon. Abbas Hussein Kandoro, the Dar Es Salaam Regional Commissioner. A large number of our community members both from gents and ladies donated blood who included Dr. Jamil Merali, Medical Director of Ebrahim Haji Charitable Health Centre. and joining them were also the Regional Commissioner, the General Manager of BP Tanzania Ltd., Mr. Abel Chanje and the Director of Muhimbili Hospital. The guests were received by the President of Dar Es Salaam Jamaat, Alhajj Anver Dharamsee, the Chairman of the Central Health Board and other Jamaat officials including the Blood Group Sub-Committee members. A total of 306 pints of blood was donated this year to Muhimbili National Hospital. The event was publicized in the National TV and News Papers in Tanzania. In his interview with the Press, Br. Khalfan thanked the officials, blood donors, volunteers and Ebrahim Haji Charitable Health Centre for providing the medical staff for the exercise.

CHB Joins Hands with Ebrahim Haji Health Centre at the JIBA Trade Fair:

This was the first time for the Ebrahim Haji Ithna-Asheri Charitable Health Centre to participate in a public event such as a JIBA Trade Fair held in the Diamond Jubilee Hall in Dar Es Salaam, when asked to comment on the purpose for the participation, the Chairman of the CMB, Br. Aunali Khalfan commented – “Its high time that we step out of the box and show the people what we do, and more importantly what we can offer to the society we live in, many people are unaware of what EHICHC can offer. He further said we could not afford to sit back and watch as spectators while other institutions were making a headway, it is high time that we publicise and  utilize our resources and expertise to help, at the same time promote our Institution. Institutions like ours need exposure, being a Charitable Organization we need recognitions and assistance hence such participation would raise awareness”

   Statistics: 

       Number of visitors screened at the Trade Fair – 203

       Male – 136 (67%)

       Female – 67 (33%)

       Questionnaire completed – 182

       Visits to EHICHC previously (Yes) – 94 (52%) & (No) - 88 (48%) 

CHB Chairman’s visit to Mombasa, Kenya:

The Chairman of the Central Health Board (CHB), Br. Aunali Khalfan visited Mombasa on 8^th November 2006 for a meeting with the President of Mombasa Jamaat, Alhajj Rajbali bhai Bandali and the Chairman of the Mombasa Jamaat Medical Board, Dr. Mohamedraza Karim. Among the issues discussed were the need to undertake Community Health Screening as soon as possible and the progress on the Mombasa Jaffery Dispensary. The Dispensary is intended to cater for the community and the general public, expected to be operational this year.

Meeting was also held with the Africa Youth Network Chairman, Br. Nishathusein Karim regarding the “Youth Symposium” to address various health issues and promoting health awareness among the youths of our community. There is also a joint project of CHB & AYN to produce the “Health Awareness Posters”.

We welcome views, opinions or interesting articles on health and medical from our community members and Jamaats from any part of the world. Please send these to: The Hon. General Secretary, Mr. Mohsin R. Manji by email: mohsinmanji@gmail.com

With Salaams and Duas,

Editor

CHB News Bulletin

Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania