International Islamic Relief Organization of Saudi Arabia Celebrates World Health Day

April 9, 2011 | Elizabeth Pfiester | SUSRIS

World Health Day, which marks the founding of the World Health Organization (WTO) each year, was celebrated on April 7. The WTO selects a key health issue annually and encourages people and organizations to hold events that highlight the significance of the issue.  Many charitable organizations use this day as an opportunity to promote global health and well-being. The International Islamic Relief Organization of Saudi Arabia, or IIROSA, had a lot to commemorate as they promoted their mission on this special day.

The International Islamic Relief Organization (IIROSA) has implemented 285 health projects in 48 countries since its inception. (AN photo)

IIROSA was established in 1978 under the umbrella of the Muslim World League. The organization aims to alleviate the suffering of distressed and needy people worldwide with the help of philanthropists and humanitarians. In 2010, IIROSA obtained membership in the United Nation’s Department of Public Information (DPI).   Arab News  noted IIROSA’s Secretary-General Basha’s comments at the time of IIROSA’s great achievement. “This is a recognition of the significance of IIROSA and its role in supporting relief humanitarian work for the welfare of humans everywhere in the world regardless of race, color or creed that are in line with UN objectives and activities.”

Arab News reported on IIROSAS’s Secretary-General, Adnan Khalil Basha, on the occasion of World Health Day in which he discussed IIROSA’s successes and current projects.  He noted that since the organization's founding, 34 million patients have been served. Basha said, “The Saudi relief organization's current fixed health projects number 32, comprising hospitals, health centers, dispensaries, clinics and pharmacies while there are 24  temporary projects and programs consisting of medical caravans, mobile clinics, surgical camps, awareness and environmental health programs benefiting more than 24 million patients,” according to Arab News.

The   objectives of IIROSA revolve around the spirit of helping anyone in need at any time, especially in locations fraught by refugee populations, disaster or famine. Other services provided by the IIROSA include assistance to the poor and needy free of charge, maternity care and children's vaccinations, free medicine distribution, medical checkups and screenings, as well as emergency care. Hundreds of children unable to afford the high cost of surgeries or medical examinations were helped through the organization. Yemen, Egypt, Syria, Morocco, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Nigeria have all recently benefited from IIROSAs initiatives that serve over 48 countries throughout the world.

Within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,  Arab News noted, “IIROSA contributed more than SR5 million to partly cover the costs of heart, kidney, liver and eye operations to 1,378 patients in various regions of the Kingdom.” In March IIROSA also announced its plan to sponsor 2,000 orphans across the Kingdom.

Last year IIROSA offered relief assistance to the victims of flash floods and torrential rains in Jeddah and its nearby regions. Medical clinics were established in especially high needs areas with the help of volunteers and Saudi doctors. Hospitals in Jeddah – including the General Eye Hospital, King Saud Hospital and the TB Center – were provided with equipment and supplies. Thirty-two thousand kilograms of various medicines were also provided to the Health Welfare Society in Makkah at the time,  according to Arab News.

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