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

2. Remonia Chapman
President
AMAT

3. Thank You!

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

5. 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

6. Eversight Development Projects
Morocco
Tunisia
Jordan
Pakistan
United Arab Emirates

7. 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

8. 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!

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. Cultural Considerations
Family dynamics
Funerary practices
Institutional trust

13. Example
Countries
Jordan
Morocco
Pakistan

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

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

16. 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

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

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

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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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!

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

24. Questions and Answers

25. Announcements AMAT Webinar Series – Wednesdays at 2 p.m. EST
August 1 – 7 National Minority Donor Awareness week. Download materials at:
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

26. R E G I S T E R: 25th Annual AMAT Conference