Dear brothers and sisters in all IMAs

Historically, Sudan was one amongst 10 founder nations of FIMA in Florida, USA on 31st Dec 1981. And Sudan assumed the role as the first chairman of the FIMA Council. Since then, two FIMA Conferences have been organised in Khartoum, in 1983 and 1990. More recently, there has been a flurry of relief activities in Sudan, demonstrating the close collaboration between FIMA and SIMA.

Darfur, Sudan was the epicenter of our FIMA Save Vision program which began in April 2005. Since then, FIMA has rolled out Save Vision in 7 other countries in Africa and 3 countries in Asia. Well over 400,000 patients were examined, more than 40,000 cataract surgeries were performed, sustainable ophthalmic facilities were developed and local eye surgeons were trained. This project among others, has catapulted FIMA into the “Whos Who" of international humanitarian & relief work.

We are all delighted to be in Khartoum again in August 2009, for our 4th International Conference organized by SIMA and our 26th FIMA Council Meeting. The theme of our conference “HEALTH PROBLEMS IN RELATION TO DISPLACEMENT & DISASTERS" is most appropriate and timely to address the various burgeoning issues of displaced populations as a consequence of natural or man-made disasters. We hope the various scientific paper presentations and deliberations in this convention could be published as a proceeding in our FIMA Year Book for the benefit of a wider audience.

Our Council meeting is yet another occasion to celebrate some of our achievements which simultaneously endows us further confidence to climb greater heights. It is also a period of reflection of our organizational operations & infrastructure, her strengths and weaknesses. And our perennial contemplation to search inwardly how much as individuals and an organization we have endeavoured to beseech the Pleasure of Allah through refinements of our human character and service towards mankind.

I would like to thank SIMA for their excellent organization of this convention and their unrivalled hospitality to all our participants from IMAs around the globe. I would like to personally thank Prof. Mamoun Homeida for his distinguished leadership and all members of his Organising Committee for their hard work and dedication over the past few months.

My sincere appreciation to all members of IMAs who have travelled from far and wide to attend this annual FIMA Convention and our 26th FIMA Council Meeting.

On behalf of FIMA, I would like to thank our Honourable Chief Guest, the President of Sudan, Field Marshal Omer Hassan Ahmed Albasheer, for graciously inaugurating our Convention.

I pray to Allah that He bestows our organisation the best of rewards and bless our annual meeting of minds and hearts.

Musa Mohd. Nordin
President FIMA 2005-2009