COTABATO CITY– Health programs for the Bangsamoro region are now in accordance with the teachings of Islam after an Islamic religious body issued “fatwa” (Islamic rulings) on reproductive health and family planning, including the expanded program on immunization.
The “fatwa” were issued by the Regional Darul Ifta (RDI), highest Islamic religious policy- makers, and, the product of the series of consultations conducted by the Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM).
Health programs implemented across the region are now contextualized for the BARMM and in harmony with the teachings of Islam, according to Health Minister Dr. Safrullah Dipatuan. Dipatuan said “fatwa” means an Islamic ruling that must be observed by every Muslim.
The fatwa released on Tuesday guide Muslim communities on proper family planning and on how to ensure their reproductive health. Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim emphasized that he wants to ensure that Muslim families must have the freedom to decide on the health services they receive.
In addition to the launching of the “fatwa,” the MOH also introduced an expanded program on immunization. “We will make sure the immunization is halal, because halal in Islam is what is good on human beings,” Ebrahim said. Dipatuan lauded the RDI for the “fatwa” and urged all stakeholders in the region to work together with health providers for successful implementation of government programs.
BARMM is composed of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, the cities of Cotabato, Marawi, Lamitan and the 63 barangays of North Cotabato.-Edwn O. Fernandez
