International SOS encourages organisations to prioritise pilgrim health and safety with new precautions

The annual Hajj pilgrimage, a world gathering attracting over 1.8 million contributors final yr¹, is predicted to happen in Saudi Arabia from 14 to 19 June 2024. Due to the big scale of the occasion, guaranteeing the health and safety of all pilgrims requires a give attention to preventive measures. Meningococcal illness has been reported in travellers coming back from Saudi Arabia, highlighting the significance of adhering to the necessities. International SOS, the world’s main health and safety providers firm, encourages organisations with staff collaborating within the Hajj pilgrimage to guarantee their workforce is conscious of important precautions for a secure and wholesome religious journey.

Aligned with the most recent health and safety rules established by the Saudi Arabian authorities, International SOS has developed a complete guideline centered on guaranteeing pilgrims’ health, safety and wellbeing. The guideline outlines essential pre-travel issues together with a number of newly carried out necessities. It highlights the official allow and vaccination necessities, warmth mitigation methods in addition to selling vigilance and consciousness of environment to guarantee particular person safety, significantly throughout crowd surges.

Dr Nosa Aihie, Regional Medical Director, Middle East, at International SOS, stated:“It is important for pilgrims to adhere to vaccination requirements listed by the government of Saudi Arabia to protect themselves and their peers from various infectious diseases. This includes the required vaccination against meningitis administered no more than three years and at least ten days prior to the planned arrival in Saudi Arabia. In line with this, pilgrims are advised to carry valid health certificates stating they are free from any acute, chronic or infectious diseases. Furthermore, we suggest scheduling activities to avoid peak heat hours whenever possible and being adequately hydrated during Hajj, as pilgrims may experience heat-related illnesses and dehydration.”

Gulnaz Ukassova, Security Director at International SOS in Dubai, pressured the necessity for thorough pre-travel preparation and compliance with authorities directives, stating: “It is vital for pilgrims undertaking Hajj to thoroughly understand and comply with the relevant Hajj regulations prior to, and during, the pilgrimage. Pilgrims should expect large crowds at religious sites, particularly on the Jamaarat Bridge in Mina and around Al-Masjid Al-Haram Mosque in Mecca. Remain safe during crowd surges by staying alert to surroundings, adhering to designated lanes, avoiding walking against the direction of traffic and knowing the nearest emergency exits and evacuation routes. Pilgrims should also account for potential travel disruption and increased demand for various services during this period.”

Hajj 2024 health and safety tips for organisations and their workforce to make sure the health and safety of pilgrims:

• Encourage staff endeavor Hajj to acquire vaccinations and health certification:All pilgrims are required to have proof of meningococcal illness vaccination. Ensure all routine vaccinations, together with COVID-19 and seasonal influenza are up to date. Depending on their nation of origin, travellers could also be required to present proof of polio and yellow fever vaccination.

o   Registration on the ‘Sehaty’ app is necessary to confirm vaccination standing and facilitate entry into the nation for all pilgrims.

• Ensure compliance with rules: Encourage staff to at all times comply with steerage offered by licensed Hajj operators for a secure and organised pilgrimage. Ensure they adhere to designated time slots allotted by authorities to assist minimise overcrowding dangers.
• Offer safety briefings and heightened situational consciousness:Provide pre-departure briefings on safety protocols, situational consciousness practices and cultural sensitivities. Develop contingency plans to handle potential journey disruptions throughout the Hajj.
• Educate staff on dangers of maximum temperatures:To mitigate the consequences of probably excessive temperatures, pilgrims ought to prioritise staying hydrated. Choosing light-weight and light-coloured clothes helps regulate physique temperature and reduces warmth stress.
• Ensure crowd and emergency preparedness:Provide staff with crowd administration information with ideas for navigating densely populated areas. Encourage pilgrims to save emergency contact data for police, ambulance providers, embassy officers and native contacts on their cell phones in case instant help is required.