Pakistan was the first country to hold a National Islamic Consultation on Immunization on 5-6 June 2013. The theme of the meetings was ‘Polio Eradication in the Light of Islam’, and it was hosted by the International Islamic University in Islamabad in collaboration with the Al-Azhar University, Egypt. The Islamabad meeting was the first in a planned series of national consultation meetings in the polio endemic countries, intended to give religious scholars at the national level the opportunity to brainstorm on strategies for a polio-free Islamic world by the end of 2014.

ISLAMABAD DECLARATION (Urdu)

Reiterating the Determination of a Healthy Future for the Children of Muslim Ummah

We, the participants of the meeting held in Islamabad with collaboration of International Islamic University, Islamabad and Al-Azhar University Egypt:

Considering; a) the Resolution of the Organization for Islamic Conference during the third meeting of Health Ministers held in October 2011, that called for enhanced top level cooperation for polio eradication; and b) the resolution passed by the World Health Assembly in May 2012 declaring complete eradication of polio a global public health emergency:

1. We express utmost concern over the persistence of poliovirus in some parts of Pakistan (reservoirs), sub-optimal quality of the polio campaigns in these areas and certain political, cultural, social and security related obstacles in this regard.

2. We strongly condemn the activity of Dr. Shakeel Afridi in Abbottabad that has caused doubts and suspicions among the public about the public health activities. We strongly recommend that public health activities must always be used for public health purposes only.

3. We strongly condemn the attacks on polio workers and their killings. These are acts of extreme brutality and cowardice. These attacks and killings are against the teachings of Islam and are not acceptable at any cost. We declare these attacks as inhuman and non-Islamic acts. We demand the Government to acknowledge the services of the martyrs and support the suffering families. We also condemn the martyrdom (killing) of innocent people and children during the drone attacks.

4. We believe that it is the basic responsibility of the Government to ensure peace on permanent basis in the bordering areas (KP/FATA) of Pakistan. This will smoothen the way for social welfare activities in these areas. Moreover, this will also help conducting intensified polio drives and eradicate the disease from these areas.

5. We admire the fact that majority of the Muslim countries have eradicated polio using the same oral polio vaccine (that is being used in Pakistan). The efforts made by the Governments and public of these countries are commendable.

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We, the religious scholars, spiritual leaders, Muftis and intellectuals have examined the matter (polio eradication) from academic, jurisprudential (Islamic), medical and political perspectives and have thoroughly analyzed the doubts and suspicions that were raised. Trusting the information materials and explanations provided by the medical experts we have reached the conclusion that:

1. Polio vaccine being used in Pakistan is safe and effective.
2. Polio vaccine has no ingredients that cause infertility (or any harm to the reproductive system).
3. Polio vaccine does not contain any “Haram (prohibited)” or hazardous to health ingredients.
Necessary steps should be taken to disseminate, satisfying research based answers/facts regarding the above matters among the public.

We fully agree and support the commitment to polio eradication and reiterate our commitment that:

1. We will encourage and advise (using our influence) the general public to ensure polio vaccination of all the children, every time (during polio campaigns). Besides, we will also encourage them to complete the routine immunization for their children.

2. We will play our role effectively to overcome the existing social, cultural, political and security related barriers (in regards to polio eradication).

3. We ourselves and through the religious scholars at the district and union council levels, will ensure effective dissemination of messages to the public that safety and sanctity of the polio teams is our joint responsibility.

4. We will play our role effectively to mobilize the public/communities for polio eradication. Moreover, we will also ensure the engagement of the district and union council level religious leaders/figures in this regard.

5. We will make our best efforts to enhance awareness about polio eradication utilizing personal and institutional influence.

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We consider that the consultation meeting in Islamabad has provided an opportunity for religious scholars, health specialists and doctors to jointly examine the situation of polio eradication (in the country), the hindrances and their solutions. This meeting has also been an opportunity for us to deliver our recommendations to the relevant authorities and agree on the right direction of our support and role.

We express utmost admiration for the zealous and untiring efforts for polio eradication, appreciate them and solemnly pledge to play an effective role to provide our children a “Polio Free Pakistan”.