VZCZCXRO7888
RR RUEHDE
DE RUEHDO #0552/01 1001308
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 101308Z APR 06
FM AMEMBASSY DOHA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 4667
INFO RUEHZM/GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 DOHA 000552 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: AMED KFLU PREL CASC QA
SUBJECT: IMAMS TO PREACH ON AVIAN FLU 
 
REF: 2005 DOHA 1881 
 
¶1. Summary. As part of their broad strategy for preventing 
and containing avian flu, Qatari officials recently held a 
seminar to educate Imams, religious leaders, on the global 
phenomenon avian influenza. Imams were provided with 
practical information on the disease, how to detect and 
respond to it as well as how it is transmitted. With this 
instruction, Imams become better equipped to address the 
issue in their Friday sermons, thus raising awareness and 
educating the public about avian flu. This collaboration with 
Imams demonstrates the government's seriousness in addressing 
avian flu. End Summary. 
 
Outreach to the Imams 
--------------------- 
 
¶2. With the spread of avian influenza reaching ever closer to 
its borders, medical officials in Qatar have begun reaching 
out to Imams (religious leaders) to educate them on the virus 
that causes bird flu. At a recent seminar specifically 
targeted for the Imams and conducted by the Ministry of 
Endowments and Islamic Affairs and the National Health 
Authority, doctors briefed Imams on the virus, its symptoms, 
its transmission and preventive measures for fighting a 
possible outbreak. 
 
 
Friday Sermons as a Forum for Avian Flu Education 
--------------------------------------------- ---- 
 
¶3. While the link between avian influenza and religious 
leaders may not be immediately discernible, Qatari 
authorities have clearly made the connection. Recognizing the 
broad reach, respect and influence that Imams have in their 
communities, Qatari officials have decided to coordinate with 
Imams on raising awareness and allaying fears about avian 
influenza using the forum of Friday sermons. The impact and 
importance of Friday sermons cannot be underscored. 
Organizers of the seminar openly acknowledged that through 
their sermons, Imams could reach all sections of society and 
that the impact of their sermon on this issue will far exceed 
that of anyone else. To this end, on March 31, Imams began to 
devote time in their sermons to the topic of avian flu. 
 
Just the Facts 
-------------- 
 
¶4. At the seminar, medical experts sought to dispel myths and 
misconceptions about the virus. They emphasized that the 
disease could not be transmitted by eating cooked chicken or 
egg. Further, in often very technical and scientific detail, 
the experts painstakingly reviewed how the virus was 
transmitted: through direct contact with an infected bird or 
through its raw meat or blood and procedures for disinfecting 
an affected area and culling birds in a poultry farm. 
 
Engaging Imams: Part of the Government's Broader Plan 
--------------------------------------------- -------- 
 
¶5. Presenters also informed the Imams about the GOQ's 
strategy for preparing and responding to avian flu, stressing 
that the government's "Avian Influenza Preparedness and 
Response Plan" met international guidelines of the World 
Health Organization (WHO). According to the presenters 
(reftel), the GOQ has developed a plan for the prevention and 
containment of avian flu and established early detection and 
response mechanisms. Implementation of the government's plan 
appears to be proceeding on-track, if this seminar is any 
indication. Outreach to and coordination with Imams to raise 
the issue of avian flu during their Friday sermons was 
identified in the GOQ's plan as one of the tactics for 
preparing and educating the public about the virus. 
 
¶6. Imams learned about available resources and how to access 
them. For example, a hotline has been established and will be 
operable as of 31 March to provide Imams with information on 
avian flu. Imams can call this hotline to get information to 
use in their Friday sermons or to answer questions posed to 
them. Organizers disseminated booklets in Arabic on the virus 
and also showed the Imams how to access various websites for 
additional information. 
 
Comment 
------- 
¶7. This seminar and effort at coordination with the Imams 
seem to be in keeping with the GOQ's overall strategy on and 
commitment to avian influenza preparedness. While there have 
not been any confirmed cases of bird flu in Qatar to date, 
the GOQ appears to be stepping up its preparation for a 
potential occurrence or outbreak, particularly with an eye on 
the Asian Games that Doha will host in December 2006. The 
GOQ's engagement with Imams on this issue is recognition of 
 
DOHA 00000552  002 OF 002 
 
 
the importance and societal influence of Imams, and further 
reason why post is actively engaging them as well on other 
issues. 
UNTERMEYER