AMAT Educational Webinar Series Promoting Donation Lessons from the Muslim World Collin Ross, CEBT AMAT Educational Webinar Series

Remonia Chapman President AMAT

Thank You!

Vice President, Global Development Collin Ross Vice President, Global Development Eversight  

About Eversight Leading nonprofit eye bank organization Over 8,000 corneas for transplant provided each year U.S. service areas include Connecticut, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey and Ohio Active international program

Eversight Development Projects Morocco Tunisia Jordan Pakistan United Arab Emirates

The Global Burden of Blindness 39 million blind people in the world 90% live in low-income settings 10% of all global blindness is cornea-related Growing populations increase the burden Only a few countries have enough corneas for transplantation

Islam and the Muslim World Islam is the second-largest religion in the world, and the fastest growing Muslims comprise 24% of the world’s population (1.8 billion people) Islam is diverse!

The Muslim World Majority-Muslim countries: North Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and Central Asia. Significant Muslim minority communities: Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, North America

Islam and Donation The human body is sanctified and inviolate Saving life and health: “Necessity makes permissible the prohibited” “Whosoever saves a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind” (Holy Qu’ran, chapter 5, vs. 32) The role of religious authorities

Barriers to Donation Cultural/religious Economic Access to care Regulatory Other

Cultural Considerations Family dynamics Funerary practices Institutional trust

Example Countries Jordan Morocco Pakistan

Many Thanks to: Jordan Morocco Pr. Dr. Abdeljalil Moutaouakil Ms. Hassna Soummane Dr. Muawyah Al Bdour Dr. Maha Al Till

Many Thanks to: Pakistan Pr. Dr. Asad Aslam Khan Dr. Mahwash Khan Pr. Dr. Wajid Ali Khan Dr. Qazi Wasiq Mr. Muhammad Asif Malik

Jordan Eye Bank Founded in 1979, began recoveries in 1992 14,500 registered donors Average 232 local donors per year for past eight years Local donors provide about 46% of corneas used for transplantation in Jordan

Lessons from Jordan Strong community relationships Clear support from religious authorities Grass-roots religious outreach Targeted media Directed donation

Marrakesh Eye Bank Began recoveries in 2011 Well-equipped, modern eye bank facility 44 local corneas recovered since 2011, resulting in 34 grafts using local tissues Cultural issues have posed difficulties

Lessons from Morocco Importance of culturally relevant messaging and ambassadors “Religious” objections are most often cultural Role of family dynamics and funerary practices

Eye Banking in Pakistan Several eye banks, but donations low Mixed response from religious leaders Major recent surge in interest, due to example of Abdul Sattar Edhi

Lessons from Pakistan The role of institutional trust Importance of culturally appropriate messaging and ambassadors Necessity of religious engagement at all levels Donation message resonates within this culture, when properly presented

Takeaways Muslim communities are diverse, but share much in common Islam supports donation Religious and community engagement is needed at leadership and grass-roots levels Trust is key AMAT / MOTTEP shows the way!

THANK YOU. cmross@eversightvision.org +1(734) 887-2312 Collin Ross Vice President Global Development cmross@eversightvision.org +1(734) 887-2312

Questions and Answers www.amat1.org

Announcements AMAT Webinar Series – Wednesdays at 2 p.m. EST August 1 – 7 National Minority Donor Awareness week. Download materials at: www.amat1.org. AMAT Webinar Series – Wednesdays at 2 p.m. EST August 16 Let the Churches Say Amen! Fresh Perspectives & Emerging Strategies for Leading High Impact Donate Life Campaigns with Today’s African American Churches presented by the African American Workgroup. Description: African American churches are embracing new approaches and strategies to stay relevant in today’s digital age. Tips and strategies for developing innovative and sustainable Donate Life campaigns. Emerging trends among next-generation faith leaders. November 1 Native American Perspective on the Approach for Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation in recognition of Native American Heritage Month, presented by the American Indian Workgroup. x

R E G I S T E R: 25th Annual AMAT Conference www.amat1.org