World Day of Social Justice: Be Part of the Solution

Racism, gender inequality, and discrimination are pervasive issues that encroach on human rights and worsen the plight of marginalized groups. To get a glimpse of today’s social conditions, consider…

• The gender pay gap where women get paid 20% less than men.
• That nearly 700 million people globally live in extreme poverty, subsisting on less than $2.15 a day.
• That gender-based violence, one of the most brutal human rights violations, is experienced by almost 1 in 3 women. These women have been subjected to physical/sexual intimacy partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both.

Issues like these pose a significant negative impact on the health of the aggrieved, which is why they’ve been associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality.

The Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA) is committed to fighting social injustice by promoting equitable healthcare and raising awareness on several issues that affect global health and well-being. 

This World Day of Social Justice, find out how we’re battling major social concerns below.

Poverty 

Poverty claims the lives of 22,000 children daily. Because of the increasing costs and privatization of healthcare, the majority of them die from preventable conditions. This systemic problem must be addressed as it erodes social cohesion and has the potential to destabilize entire countries. 

With contributions from the public and expert volunteers, IMANA fights poverty by providing medical services, health education, humanitarian aid, and support to the economically vulnerable. In addition, we advocate for policies and programs that can improve health outcomes.

Mental Health 

Mental health issues affect one’s mood, behavior, and quality of life. It also increases the likelihood that an individual will experience human rights violations. Since experts believe that 1 in 4 people will have mental or neurological disorders, it’s even more important than ever to raise awareness and remove the stigma surrounding mental health conditions.

Doing so will allow people to discuss their symptoms openly and without fear so they can get the help they need to function and lead fulfilling lives.

To encourage dialogue, IMANA launched a free Muslim mental health professionals directory and list of resources. Our resources offer useful information while our directory makes it easier to receive professional help.

Food Insecurity 

Food insecurity is defined as “the limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods.” It’s a bigger challenge than the government thinks. 

Communities who don’t have access to sufficient and quality food find it challenging to live active and healthy lives. This can lead to all forms of malnutrition and greater susceptibility to chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes, increasing the global burden of disease.

To help tackle the problem, IMANA launched a food pantry that offers well-balanced and nutritious meals in Haiti. The country has one of the highest levels of food insecurity in the world and is facing starvation risks. With your generous donations, we were also able to treat over 30,000 individuals with urgent medical needs, send $1 million worth of medical supplies, and more to address the needs of the poor in its rural communities.

Climate Change 

Climate change means more than fluctuating temperatures. It contributes to humanitarian emergencies, causing 315,000 deaths each year through sickness, hunger, and weather disasters. It also leads to forced displacement and mental health issues. 

Because of these reasons, it is the single biggest health threat facing humanity.

That’s why IMANA is going above and beyond to fight climate change. Our efforts include dedicating resources towards reducing our carbon footprint and withdrawing our endowment fund from all fossil fuel companies. While we can’t solve climate issues singlehandedly, we can still make a real difference, especially with your climate crisis donations. 

Healthcare Campaigns 

At least half of the world lacks access to essential health services. The exorbitant costs of healthcare contribute to increased poverty for almost 100 million individuals. IMANA recognizes these healthcare barriers and is striving to level the playing field by providing medical relief to people from all walks of life.

Here’s a look at some of our initiatives:

• Through mobile clinics, we delivered urgent medical care to the vulnerable Rohingya refugees who are facing a health crisis in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.
• We provide free, comprehensive, and affordable healthcare to underserved communities in Atulugama, a province of Sabaragamuwa in Sri Lanka.
• We also offer free healthcare services, consults, and medicines to the residents of The Gambia, Africa’s smallest non-island country.

Our efforts to create a more equitable world also reached the poor, under-served Muslim communities in India and the Syrian refugees in Turkey, to name a few. 

Help IMANA Create a More Equitable World 

IMANA’s international medical relief and other initiatives are rooted in our Islamic beliefs which emphasize fairness, justice, and compassion. They motivate us to pursue the universal idea that human rights are for everyone and that we must nurture societal harmony and individual growth.

This World Day of Social Justice, support our efforts in achieving social justice. You can join the fight and combat health inequality by donating to our AidGaza campaign. The fund is a lifeline for hundreds of innocent Palestinians who are in desperate need of life-saving medical aid. You can make a one-time or recurring donation to help.

Remember, there is a “recognized right, for the needy and deprived” over our wealth (70:24-5). Promote healthcare for all by fulfilling your duty to the less privileged.