Birmingham Mosques Urge Muslims to Join NHS Plasma Appeal to Help COVID Patients
They are asking people who have recovered from COVID-19 to donate blood plasma because it contains antibodies that can be used to treat others who develop the disease.
The NHS has launched the appeal as it prepares for the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus.
Around 17 mosques in Birmingham have signed up to a 'joint statement' to promote the campaign to their congregation via social media, videos and announcements at Friday prayers.
Mosques that are part of the city initiative include Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre (GLMCC) in Small Heath, Birmingham Central Mosque in Highgate and Masjid Al Falaah in Aston.
Muslims across the city will be asked to take part in the NHS Mosques Plasma Drive, which is running from September 4 to 18.
In a statement, the mosques said: "The NHS are in urgent need of blood plasma from the Birmingham BAME community. They would like masjids and Islamic leaders to get behind the campaign.
"Throughout the ongoing pandemic, mosques in Birmingham have played their part, from helping deliver emergency support to the most vulnerable through to enforcing social distancing and taking the unprecedented decision to voluntarily close places of worship.
"However, we are again needed to help create awareness about a convalescent plasma drive being led by NHS Blood and Transplant.
"Convalescent plasma is part of the blood that is rich with antibodies. Plasma from patients that have recovered from COVID-19 has been used in trials to treat other COVID-19 patients and has shown promising results.
"Ahmed Bhayat from Handsworth in Birmingham was one of the first recipients on the trial and said that the use of plasma has probably helped to save his life.
"As a group of mosques, it is important that we raise awareness of this potentially lifesaving treatment.
"The NHS has also stated that the Asian community are more likely to have antibody rich plasma that could save the lives of people with coronavirus.
"We know that saving lives is a central component of our faith, in fact the Qur’an states (5:32): Whoever saves a life – it is as if he had saved humanity."
"We are encouraging those from our Asian community who have recovered from the coronavirus to donate their blood plasma.
"We believe that these actions are crucial in saving lives and to help to build up plasma supplies for any second wave of COVID-19.
"it’s the same process as donating blood so very simple and straightforward. It’s imperative that we do everything we can to save more lives and prepare stocks for any second wave of the virus."
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The NHS is looking for men and women who have already had coronavirus to take part in this latest campaign.
It says high numbers of donors from Asian communities have plasma suitable for treating others.
It said: "We are urgently appealing for donors ahead of any second wave of COVID-19.
"If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or its antibodies, or had symptoms of the virus, you may be able to donate plasma to help treat coronavirus patients."
Source: birminghammail.co.uk
