Wednesday, 24 March 2010 03:57
Be more wary and strive to eliminate any elements which may contribute to disaster in this country, said His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Deputy Sultan, during the opening of the National Seminar of Islamic Scholars and Experts on Influenza A (H1N1) yesterday.
In his sabda at the International Convention Centre in Berakas, His Royal Highness said that the country had already implemented this attitude with the national policy of banning the sale of liquor, "which has been proven to endanger the lives and dignity of mankind".
"We should take heed and be reminded from the Quran that disaster, catastrophe and devastation upon mankind are attributable to mankind's own acts and behaviour," His Royal Highness said.
His Royal Highness remarked that the threat of disaster also prompted better preparation to avoid or prevent the disaster from taking place.
"It is hoped that threats of disasters like health pandemics will provide us with the impetus to undertake strategic measures towards prevention and avoidance in a more holistic and integrated manner, based on Islamic perspectives and the latest scientific discoveries since the teachings of Islam and findings of science have always complemented each other," His Royal Highness said.
His Royal Highness also hoped that the country would benefit from the meeting and sharing of knowledge between Islamic scholars and H1N1 experts, by becoming more objective in formulating long-term prevention strategies.
"The strategy of 'prevention is better than cure' is not only a synonym applicable to medicine, it also forms a part of the divine values of the teachings of Islam in shaping the daily lifestyle of its followers," His Royal Highness said.
Citing statistics from the World Health Organisation, His Royal Highness said that more than 200 infectious diseases transmitted from animals to humans, have been identified throughout the world."
"This figure is expected to increase in the next decade due to changes in the methods used in the animal farming and breeding industry."
His Royal Highness said that the seminar would further enrich the collective knowledge in "overcoming issues and challenges of strategic importance by objectively examining the Influenza A (H1N1) disaster with the learned guidance of experts".
His Royal Highness pointed out that this objective was in line with His Majesty's call to analyse the actual causes of disaster.
"The fundamentals that went into the organisation of this seminar are both timely and will be of great benefit to the community in general, in generating greater awareness and deeper understanding, as well as to policymakers in enabling them to make more informed decisions regarding possible failure in addressing the root causes of this threat," His Royal Highness said.
Health Minister Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman said that more than 300 participants, comprising government officers, private sector representatives and interested individuals, will take part in the three-day seminar, where nine working papers will be presented by local and foreign speakers.
The minister also said that the spread of H1N1 in the country was controllable, a result of the cooperation between the Ministry of Health and private and the public sector.
He recalled that more than 40,000 people have been vaccinated for H1N1.
An exhibition has also been set up to coincide with the seminar. "(The exhibition) will provide an intellectual approach from the perspective of Islam and science regarding Influenza A (H1N1) and animals of the porcine species to provide a proper understanding of issues relating to H1N1," His Royal Highness said.
News courtesy of The Brunei Times
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