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Chapter 25 - Challenges and Solutions in Public Health: An Islamic Perspective

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2025

By
Joshua Bernstein
Edited by
Basil H. Aboul-Enein ,
G. Hussein Rassool ,
Nada Benajiba ,
Joshua Bernstein  and
MoezAlIslam E. Faris
Basil H. Aboul-Enein
Affiliation:
University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
G. Hussein Rassool
Affiliation:
Charles Sturt University
Nada Benajiba
Affiliation:
Ibn Tofail University
Joshua Bernstein
Affiliation:
A. T. Still University of Health Sciences
MoezAlIslam E. Faris
Affiliation:
Applied Science Private University
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Summary

The public health community protects and improves the health and well-being of regional and community populations around the world. In Muslim communities, the concept of public health is closely aligned with the teachings and principles of Islam. A working understanding of the unique cultural and spiritual constructs within Muslim communities can positively affect public health issues. Similar to European and Western societies, Muslims should encounter increased exposure to emerging public health issues such as infectious diseases, conditions related to an aging population, and limited access to technology-enhanced health care. A blended approach to public health that retains historic culture and tradition and includes modern methodologies is needed. Successful programs in Muslim communities should incorporate culturally appropriate health education, lay and community health workers, immunization outreach, and an evidence-based approach to program development.

Keywords

Public healthhealth educationcultural understandingemerging health issues
Type
Chapter
Information
Contemporary Islamic Perspectives in Public Health , pp. 155 - 160
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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