BIMA promotes health & wellness for UK Muslims at Global Peace & Unity Festival

Working alongside various NHS and community partners and an army of volunteers, the BIMA will be hosting several stalls to promote health and wellness within the Muslim community, with a particular focus on helping to raise awareness and improve health outcomes and immunisation and cancer screening rates for visiting families.

BIMA is committed to empowering individuals and families to take charge of their health, especially as winter approaches. They believe that everyone deserves the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Immunisation and screening are one of the best ways to save lives and protect people’s health. Yet the Muslim community continues to have low uptake rates and that's why the BIMA has partnered with the NHS to host this community health event before the winter months.

At the BIMA stalls, attendees will have the opportunity to receive a range of health services. Our expert Muslim healthcare professionals will offer health checks, including blood pressure and BMI, while our team will provide valuable information on cancer screenings, preventive care, and the importance of early detection of health conditions. Additionally, a mobile clinic will be on-site to provide immunisations and vaccinations.

Dr Salman Waqar, GP and President of BIMA said: "Our goal is to empower people with the knowledge and resources they need to take control of their health. These community health events align with BIMA's commitment to holistic well-being, bridging clinical expertise to the community.

"By enabling people to talk to local healthcare professionals in a relaxed and safe environment, and encouraging people to take action to protect their health, we can make a positive impact on individuals and their communities. We invite everyone to join us on this journey towards better health.”

The event will offer the opportunity to engage directly with the British Muslim community to help address some of their concerns about vaccination, immunisation and screening, and other ways to improved their health and health outcomes.

Vaccination/immunisation ranks second only to clean water as the most effective public health intervention to prevent disease and fatal conditions, whilst NHS screening programmes save an estimated 10,000 lives each year. Both are key preventative health actions that are directly linked to improving people’s health outcomes and have huge potential to help reduce health inequalities across England.

Recognising the importance of faith-based considerations, BIMA partners with experts who offer culturally sensitive advice. This inclusive approach demonstrates respect for cultural values and fosters trust within the community.

By bridging the gap between clinical expertise and the community, BIMA ensures that everyone has the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their health. We believe that this is essential for promoting better health outcomes for British Muslims.