National seminar on H1N1 to clear 'many doubts'

SCHOLARS, medical personnel and scientists will gather to discuss the Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic in detail from the Islamic, medical and scientific perspective at a National H1N1 Islamic Scholars and Experts Seminar from March 23 to 25 at the International Convention Centre (ICC).

Organised by the State Mufti's Office under the Prime Minister's Office with cooperation from the Ministry of Health, the seminar is to allow participants "to gather and collect as much information regarding H1N1... such as what exactly is the virus and what are its origins".

Director of Administration at the State Mufti's Office Dato Paduka Ahmad Bukhari Pehin Siraja Khatib Abu Hanafiah said this during yesterday's broadcasting of Radio Televisyen Brunei's (RTB) Rampai Pagi programme.

"It will be a national seminar touching on current issues and updates on the H1N1 pandemic which has affected the whole world," he said.

The director added that the seminar is expected to be attended by some 500 to 600 participants on an "invitational only" basis, adding that there will, however, be limited quota for public participation based on a first come, first serve basis.

"Working papers will be delivered by both local and foreign experts," he said, adding that one of the topics to be discussed will be swine flu from an Islamic perspective.

"The pig is an animal that can be considered as a reservoir of diseases. Studies have shown that there are over 200 types of diseases in a pig. It is an animal that has the ability to host viruses," he said, adding that many of these microorganisms continue to thrive and survive even after being cooked.

The director added that medical personnel will be on hand to update the participants on recent developments of the pandemic while experts will provide information on why H1N1 is dangerous and how it is related, or not related, to other diseases such as the Avian Flu.

There will also be a question and answer session for participants to clear any doubts and get a better understanding of the topics. "This is not a heated debate session but a more relaxed, comfortable and fun forum for discussion... for the participants to obtain true information as a serious attempt at fighting the pandemic."

An exhibition open to the public will also be held at the ICC from March 23 to 31.

"I hope that students will make it a part of their school holiday activity to go visit this exhibit," he said.

He also urged the participants to be serious when attending the three-day seminar due to the wealth of information that is available.

"It will be very unfortunate if you take the seminar lightly," he said. The Brunei Times