Page 10 - International SOS PR Report August 2024

Essential Pre-Travel Planning for a Safe and Healthy Summer

August 13, 2024— As the peak summer travel season is underway, International SOS, the
world's leading health and security services company, is urging organisations to prioritise the
health and safety of their travelling employees. With summer travel reaching record highs,
especially from the GCC and wider Middle Eastern regions, comprehensive pre-travel
planning, and efficient risk mitigation strategies are becoming more essential to ensure a
healthier and safer travel in the season.

Summer's warmer temperatures and the corresponding rise in outdoor activities around the
globe are creating a heightened risk environment for health and safety. These risks are
amplified for travellers with unfamiliar destinations, where individuals may encounter food and
waterborne illnesses, vector-borne diseases and excessive sun exposure.

According to reports, climate change is causing extreme weather around the world, generating
record-breaking heat waves on land and at sea. This increased frequency of heatwaves
globally poses significant health threats, including heat stress, which is the leading cause of
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weather-related fatalities and can exacerbate underlying medical conditions. To ensure
employee health and wellbeing, organisations should provide clear guidance on heatwave
preparedness, such as staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours
and recognising the signs of heat-related illness.

Dr Ehab Chalabie, Medical Director, Middle East, International SOS said: “The excitement of
summer travel can sometimes overshadow potential health risks. It is important to understand
that conditions such as heart disease, asthma and diabetes can be worsened by warmer
weather, leading to more severe symptoms and sometimes complications. To mitigate these
risks, organisations should encourage their workforce to consult with healthcare professionals
before travelling. These consultations help travellers identify destination-specific health threats
during summer and take essential preventive measures, including vaccinations, hygiene
practices and sun safety protocols.”

Gulnaz UKASSOVA, Security Director, Information & Analysis Mashreq & Iran, East &
Southern Africa, International SOS, said: “The surge in summer travel underscores the
importance of prioritising employee safety and fostering a strong security awareness culture
within organisations. By conducting comprehensive destination research, travellers can equip
themselves with knowledge of local security risks. This knowledge empowers travellers to
make informed decisions and minimise their vulnerability to threats. Unfamiliar environments
can heighten the risk of security threats, emphasising the need for robust personal security
measures.”

International SOS offers guidelines for organisations and their workforce to stay
healthy and safe whilst travelling from the Middle East region this summer:

1. World Health Organization | Heat and Health Fact Sheet 2024