The Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN) has rounded off its 26th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Kaduna with strong calls for ethical regulation of artificial intelligence in healthcare and the elimination of harmful cultural practices that threaten public health.
The five-day hybrid conference, held at Arewa House from December 1–5, brought together 1,018 delegates from across Nigeria and beyond.
Discussions focused on the conference theme, “Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare,” alongside subthemes on reproductive health, harmful customs, medical ethics, palliative care, and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases.
Experts highlighted concerns about the rapid growth of AI technologies outpacing legal and religious guidance, the persistence of female genital mutilation and vaccine refusal, and the risk of AI reducing human compassion in clinical care.
Delegates also noted that cultural and religious misconceptions continue to hinder timely uptake of vaccinations, contraception, and modern treatment.
At the end of deliberations, IMAN resolved to push for Islamically grounded legal frameworks for AI and reproductive technologies, intensified collaboration with religious leaders to dispel myths, and stronger national ethical oversight of AI.
The Association also called for improved training of Muslim health professionals, development of AI-based accident-prevention systems, and expansion of telemedicine nationwide.
IMAN expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kaduna State Governor Sen. Uba Sani, Jigawa State Governor Mal. Umar A. Namadi, the Emir of Zazzau, and other health sector leaders for their support and hospitality.