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- by Dr. Mohammad Haitham Al-Khayat

Religion and Health

From the discussions which look place at the Regional Consultation on the Role of Religion and Ethics in the Prevention and Control of AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases, a strong basis emerged for the link between religion and public health.

This was widely welcomed, as the participants reached a consensus that, in an environment where religious influence is diminished, life seems to revert back to the jungle. It is, therefore, recommended that the participants would all become advocates and shepherds, .in both the Islamic and Christian senses, of the teachings of their respective religions and their people. They pledged to promote and encourage adherence to religious counsel as a safeguard against the threat of moral and psychological corruption and degradation.

In this way, we shall be able to guarantee both spiritual and physical well-being and achieve an equilibrium which will help people to face life's responsibilities and obligations with both moral and physical, or spiritual and corporeal, fortitude.

Human nature is basically good, and if it is properly nurtured, it will yield the best results. Many parts of the world today, however, are in the grip of a credibility crisis between the teachers and leaders on the one hand,and the general public on the other. This crisis can only be overcome by society's leaders themselves becoming worthy examples, endearing religion and religious behaviour to people in general, and providing for religion. to have its full effect in the field of health, and its two main areas of prevention and treatment.