FIMA semi-annual EXCO meeting was held in Cairo, Egypt on February 28, 2013, all committee members in attendance. IMA of Egypt hosted the meeting and Dr. Omar Al-Ayat and his team did a great job in arranging the venue.

The FIMA Islamic Hospitals Consortium (IHC) meeting for the regional Islamic Hospitals followed FIMA EXCO meeting. This meeting of FIMA IHC was unique and first of its kind held in the Arabic speaking region and delegates from Middle East and North Africa attended in great numbers. We are grateful to the IMA of Egypt for taking the leadership roll in the endeavour.

One of the highlights of FIMA EXCO meeting in Cairo was participation of EMRO UN WHO regarding problem with the polio vaccination program in three Islamic countries, Pakistan,

Afghanistan and Nigeria. Apparently there has been lack of cooperation and in some instances traumatizing or killing of the vaccination health workers and volunteers. Some communities or parents are refusing the vaccination. As a result the disease is not only still exists in these countries, it is being transmitted across the globe due to international travel. These three countries being members of FIMA mandates a task on us to educate the respective populations through the primary care physicians, paediatricians and trusted members of the health care teams with help of the IMA's. Dr. Tanveer Zubairi represented FIMA in the UN EMRO planning session held in Cairo after the EXCO meeting.

FIMA SaveVision held their camp for ophthalmology surgeries in Gaza in February of 2013. This project has completed over ninety thousands cataract and cornea surgeries so far and several camps are in the planning in the coming months across the globe.

FIMA SaveSmile held their annual camp in Khartoum, Sudan in the first week of March, led by IMANA and participation of DWW-Turkey. Over 200 surgeries were performed for repair of cleft lip and palate by team of 35. FIMA SaveSmile project has completed over 700 operations after its formal launching four years ago.

The situation in Syria continues to be volatile. The civil war has even spilled over to Lebanon. There are more refugee camps across the border in Turkey. FIMA member IMA of Lebanon, Hayat Foundation and Doctors Worldwide of Turkey are playing an active key rolls in caring for health of the refugees.

The preparations for the FIMA annual Council meeting and combined IMASA and FIMA are being finalized for September 18-23, 2013 to be held in Cape Town, South Africa. A record number of delegates are expected to attend. Please make your travel plans as soon as possible for this memorable convention.

Dr. Parvaiz Malik
President FIMA 2009-2013