Health checks for blood pressure, and information on conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and respiratory disease, were offered as Sheffield and Leeds hosted health days to enable Muslim communities to prepare for Ramadan, the month of fasting.

Organised by the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) in conjunction with the NHS, the health days were part of a series to help communities condition their physical and mental health for Ramadan, which begins on the evening of Wednesday 22 March. Local GPs, health professionals and public health providers visited mosques and community centres to discuss aspects of attendees’ health and wellbeing.

Dr Salman Waqar, GP and President of BIMA, said the free events received positive feedback from attendees, community representatives, stallholders and volunteers, attracting people from different ethnic backgrounds and ages.

“These events would not have been possible without the support of NHS England, local Integrated Care Boards and partners and the large volunteer base at BIMA,” Dr Waqar said.

“These events have shown that community health hubs at local mosques attract disadvantaged groups by providing health professionals with the cultural and linguistic knowledge and skills to raise awareness of health issues and break down barriers to accessing health information and care.”

BIMA has published evidence-based clinical guidelines for clinicians to use with Muslim patients with chronic conditions who wish to fast for Ramadan. The BIMA Ramadan Compendium facilitates shared decision-making that will enable a safer Ramadan for these patients.

Commissioned by NHS England, the BIMA events in Yorkshire were arranged in collaboration with local NHS and public health teams, and hosted by the Bilal Community Centre in Leeds, and Sheffield Grand Mosque. 

• Photo: GPs and other health professionals gave checks and advice at health days to enable Muslim communities in Sheffield and Leeds to prepare for Ramadan, the month of fasting.