Glasgow Hosts Landmark Islamic Medical Conference on Health Inequality and Maternal Care

Hundreds of Muslim medics and students will meet in Glasgow this May for the British Islamic Medical Association (Bima) conference. The event marks the organisation's first gathering in Scotland since its founding in 2017. Under the theme Living Well: Restoring the Balance, discussions will tackle health inequality, social media's role in public health, and the experiences of Muslim women in maternity care.

The conference will open with a plenary session on preventing chronic illness and early intervention. With rising disease rates and widening health gaps, speakers will examine how healthcare systems can better support at-risk communities. Glasgow's own health struggles—the so-called Glasgow effect—will likely feature, given the city's higher illness burden compared to similar UK regions.

A second plenary will focus on building a fairer healthcare system. Topics include improving access for marginalised groups and strategies for long-term community health. The event will also revisit the *Invisible* report, which highlighted challenges faced by Muslim women during pregnancy and childbirth. Delegates will assess whether its recommendations have led to meaningful change. Between plenaries, shorter talks will cover plant-based diets, sustainable funding for healthcare projects, and digital tools for community engagement. Social media's influence on public health messaging will also be explored. Hyphen is among the sponsors supporting the two-day programme.

The conference brings together healthcare professionals to address pressing issues in chronic illness, inequality, and maternal care. By sharing research and practical solutions, organisers aim to drive progress in both policy and practice. The outcomes could shape future support for underserved communities across the UK.