Updated 29 December 2009
The Holy Prophet (SAW) has said: “Treat yourselves with medicine, for verily Allah has not sent down any ailment except that He has sent down a cure for it with the exception of death and old age.”
In 2009, over 3,000 children in Iraq died from complications caused by the lack of treatment for asthma. What is disturbing is that these deaths could have been prevented.
ASTHMA: A MAJOR HEALTH PROBLEM
Asthma is a major public health problem among Iraqi children, where prevalence rates of asthma and wheezing are comparable to industrialized and developed countries, and occurrences of severe asthma symptoms are similar or higher than in other countries.
Asthma is a chronic (long-term) disease that makes breathing difficult. During asthma attacks, the smooth muscle cells in the bronchi constrict, the airways become inflamed and swollen, and breathing becomes difficult. Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be managed. With proper treatment, people with asthma can lead normal, active lives.
In recent years, the number of cases of asthma in Iraq has increased because of deteriorating environmental conditions in the country. The weather has changed drastically over the past years. There is an increase in the amount of dust in the air (due to dust storms) and a decrease in humidity, making children more vulnerable to respiratory diseases.
LACK OF TREATMENT
Today, hospitals in Iraq are experiencing an increased shortage of medicines and nebulizers for asthma patients in Iraq. At the same time, the rising prices of available treatment from private pharmacies are unaffordable.
Persistent asthma patients need to take long-term control medications on a daily basis to control their condition. These medications primarily serve to control airway inflammation. Without them, patients can develop serious complications which can lead to death.
YA SAKINA (AS) BREATH OF LIFE APPEAL
The World Federation in partnership with Imamia Medics International (UK) and the Al-Hakim Foundation is launching the YA SAKINA (AS) BREATH OF LIFE APPEAL to raise funds to purchase 1,000 nebulizers for the children of Iraq. Each nebulizer costs $50 USD.
A nebulizer is a device used to administer medication to people in the form of a mist inhaled into the lungs. It is commonly used in treating cystic fibrosis, asthma and other respiratory diseases. This piece of equipment is easy to use and families can administer the medication to their children in the comfort of their own homes.
The Fund is launched in the name of Bibi Sakina (as) who gave her every breath for the love of Islam. The pain and suffering that she endured in her short life is a lesson for each one of us today to give selflessly in the way of Allah (SWT).
Today, The World Federation is appealing to all brothers and sisters around the world to help a child in Iraq breathe by making a donation so that we can provide the much needed nebulizers to these little asthma patients. Most of those who died last year, could have been saved if only they had this life saving equipment.
PLEASE DONATE TODAY
Your donation to the YA SAKINA (AS) BREATH OF LIFE APPEAL will save lives. The cost of one nebulizer is USD $50. Please donate today.
To donate in Europe (via CoEJ), click here
To donate in North America - USD (via NASIMCO), click here
To donate in North America - CAD (via NASIMCO), click here
To donate to The World Federation, click here
To view/download poster, click here
For more information, please email secretariat@world-federation.org