A Muslim chaplain at a British hospital has played a key role in developing new guidelines aimed at tackling the problem of burial in Ebola-stricken communities.
The World Health Organisation says Rehanah Sadiq, from University Hospitals Birmingham, has helped it draw up protocols which will allow safe burial of bodies to take place.
Efforts to incinerate and remove infected bodies have caused tension in the affected African countries and are thought to have led people to seek to conceal cases of infection.
According to WHO, at least 20% of new infections have been linked to burials.
WHO says it now has specific protocols for Muslim and Christian burials.
It says these will allow "safe and dignified" burial.
Its advice says that family members can help dig graves and that some religious rites can be retained.
The protocols seek to prevent relatives and burial staff from having to touch or wash bodies.
Rehanah Sadiq said: “It is clear from Islamic juristic ruling that the necessity of religious washing of the body before burial of patients who die from Ebola is over-ruled.
“However, it is vital to help bereaved families grieve and find closure by ensuring that sacred rites, such as performing a dry ablution, shrouding the body, and praying over the deceased are represented in Muslim funerals.
"Providing safe alternatives for families to maintain deeply-cherished practices helps them be part of the decision-making process, which is critical particularly during a time when they may be feeling helpless.”
* WHO has also re-stated its opposition to bans on travel and trade with the affected countries.
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