The Islamic Medical Association of South Africa [Durban Branch] & IQRAA Trust hosted a “World Kidney Day” Programme at Baytul Nur in Sherwood, Durban on the 9th March 2017 with the aim of creating awareness around the effects of Kidney Disease and Dialysis in our community. Alhumdulillah, the event was well attended and received by the community.
The theme of the programme for this year is “Kidney Disease & Obesity”, how to act early and prevent it. The project launched in 2007 and has been very successful ever since with the help of many kind-hearted sponsors and medical personnel voluntarily providing their valuable time and service. This programme was specifically dedicated to all dialysis patients and included the attendance of many IMA Committee Members, High School Students; Nursing Students from Malagazi, sponsors, community member, renal dialysis patients and their families.
The opening prayer was done by, Dr Ebrahim Khan and a warm welcome by Dr Mohamed Cassim Solwa. An excellent and informative presentation was done by IMA Nephrologist, Dr Afzal Khan, on Causes of Renal Failure & Preventative Measures, with interaction from the patients and the audience. Dietician, Raeesa Seedat gave a presentation on the Renal Diet, what it entails, as well as advice and guidelines on healthy living.
Neetu from Eli Lilly offered a presentation and talk on Diabetes Management. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks and acknowledgement of sponsors by Zeenath Khan. Refreshments and delicious snacks were served thereafter.
The audience indicated that the Awareness Programme was of much benefit and they learnt a lot, especially the high school learners in Grade 11 who will be covering the KIDNEY in their next syllabus.
This unique project of the Islamic Medical Association has assisted patients who could not afford dialysis treatment and were turned away by the state hospitals. These ill patients who cannot afford private treatment has benefitted from the IMASA Dialysis Project and many have regained their health and are leading normal, active lives. Dialysis treatment also includes other associated care which is very expensive.
Our [IMASA] aim is to assist as many patients as possible but with limited funding we are unable to provide this. We appeal and look forward to sponsorship assistance from businesses, individuals etc. to continue providing this much needed service to the underprivileged. The Islamic Medical Association of South Africa (IMASA) always aims to educate the public on medical issues and caring for their health.
For more information please contact the IMASA Offices on +27 31 207 2250 or +27 31 208 4558 / imaadmin@eastcoast.co.za / imakzn@eastcoast.co.za / Kzn@ima-sa.co.za
