The Dawoodi Bohras of Detroit medical team consists of over 50 doctors, nurses, pharmacists, therapists and other medical professionals. They work hard to organize health initiatives throughout the year that ensure the wellbeing of their patients as well as members in the community. Two such events were held in January.
One Saturday in January, the Bohras’ medical team held a vaccination drive at their cultural center in Farmington Hills to administer the COVID-19 Bivalent booster to children aged six months and older. The event was held to coincide with the weekly religious classes that many Bohra children attend on this day of the week. In total, 20% of the children attending classes that day were vaccinated.
Many of the traditions in the Dawoodi Bohra culture emphasize gathering in-person to attend sermons and events, and to share meals together. Informed by the CDC’s current guidelines, Detroit’s Bohra medical professionals continue to work towards vaccine equity within the community. Remaining highly vaccinated is imperative to the community being able to regularly meet safely throughout the year.
“Removing barriers to vaccination through vaccine drives in our community has allowed our community to stay highly vaccinated and continue safe in-person gatherings,” shared pharmacist Insiya Hussain.
This community effort follows in the footsteps of the leader of the Dawoodi Bohras, His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, who has been unequivocal in his guidance about the need for members of the Bohra community to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Elsewhere, on a Sunday in January, members of the Detroit Dawoodi Bohra community gathered at Twelve Oaks Mall to participate in the “Mall Walkers Club.” The club encourages walking as an exercise to achieve better health and is open to the public. The Bohras of Detroit who attended the indoor walking initiative were accompanied by seven health professionals including doctors, physical therapists and pharmacists. After the walk, the Dawoodi Bohra medical team hosted informative teaching sessions to share the benefits of walking and exercising regularly.
Dr. Sakina Hakim, the lead coordinator for the Community Walk program, said, “Walking is an exercise which is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Exercising individually is necessary to meet our recommended goal of 150 minutes of exercise weekly. When we exercise together as a community, it brings us closer, motivates and supports one another to make it a part of our daily routine. It encourages us to have fun and socialize while working towards our fitness goals. We especially encourage and facilitate our elder community members to participate in the walk so that they can stay active and socialize with other age groups which is extremely important for their mental health.”
The medical team of the Dawoodi Bohras of Detroit continue to plan for further health initiatives in the coming year.
