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Islam is not against vaccination

Community leaders say fear of vaccination has nothing to do with Islam
KOZHIKODE: The Muslim community leaders and the educated people have urged the parents to give preventive diphtheria vaccination to children following reports that a section of Muslims in Malappuram district was lethargic to administering it to children.
Two children had died recently due to diphtheria in the district. Dr Netha Hussein, a house surgeon at Kozhikode Medical College, told DC that in the era of the Prophet there was no vaccination.
“I have come across many parents who are reluctant to take vaccination saying that preventing illness is against the will of God. Illness is a result of God’s wrath and we have no right to prevent it. But it is foolish to keep away from vaccination,” she said and added that the preventive vaccination was very cheap at just '5 or lower. “If we are reluctant we have to pay a high price as the curative vaccine for diphtheria is costly and rare,” she added.
“No religious texts have ever urged against preventive medicines and it is misinterpretation of texts that makes some people keep off vaccination,” she added.
Most political leaders believe that there has been a series of campaigns by various groups against vaccination in Malappuram district.
Indian Union Muslim League leader Kutti Ahammed Kutti told DC that the campaign had caused a lackadaisical attitude among political leaders as well as local administrative bodies.
“Once a group of doctors started a campaign against vaccination and it created confusion among the religious public”, he said.
“Now we have directed all IUML local body chiefs to ensure hundred percent vaccination and our own local leaders will organize a campaign”, he added.
“The fear of vaccination has nothing to do with Islam”, said district panchayat president Kanathil Jameela. “We should utilize the fruits of progress in all realms of life, including healthcare”, she added.
“I hope the diphtheria outbreak would trigger such a positive discussion and ensure hundred percent vaccination in the region”, she added.
Youth League state treasurer Abdul Gafoor who is also the Malappuram district panchayat member told DC that the present crisis was the result of misinterpretations and campaign by some sections.
“Now it has been proved that vaccination is essential and the district panchayat has decided to launch a pro-vaccination campaign from October 1,” he added.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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