Page 18 - INTERNATIONAL SOS PR REPORT JUNE 2024

International SOS encourages organisations to prioritise
pilgrim health and safety during Hajj 2024 with vital

precautions

4 June 2024 – International SOS, the world’s leading health and security services company,
confirms its preparedness to ensure the health and safety of pilgrims during the Hajj season.
The organisation encourages businesses whose employees participate in the Hajj pilgrimage
to ensure their awareness of essential precautions for a safe and healthy spiritual journey.
The annual Hajj pilgrimage, a global gathering attracting over 1.8 million participants last year,
is expected to take place in Saudi Arabia from June 14 to 19 2024.

In line with the latest health and safety regulations established by the Saudi Arabian
authorities, International SOS has developed a comprehensive guideline focused on ensuring
pilgrims’ health, security and wellbeing. The guideline outlines crucial pre-travel
considerations, including several newly implemented requirements. It highlights the official
permit and vaccination requirements, heat mitigation strategies and promoting vigilance and
awareness of the surroundings to ensure individual safety, particularly during crowd surges.

Dr Nosa Aihie, Regional Medical Director, Middle East, at International SOS, said: “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 mandatory meningococcal vaccination , which must be administered no more than three
2
years and at least ten days prior to the planned arrival in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims are advised
to carry valid health certificates confirming that 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, stressed the need for
thorough pre-travel preparation and compliance with government 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. Pilgrims must take precautions to ensure their safety during crowd surges, such as
staying aware of their surroundings, adhering to designated lanes, avoiding walking against
the direction of traffic and knowing the nearest emergency exits and evacuation routes. They
should also anticipate and be prepared for potential travel disruptions and increased demand
for various services during this period.”

Hajj 2024 health and safety guidelines for organisations and their workforce to ensure

the health and safety of pilgrims:

• Encourage employees undertaking Hajj to obtain vaccinations and health
certification: All pilgrims are required to have proof of administering meningococcal

1. General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) | Hajj Statistics 2023
2. Emergency Preparedness and Response | Meningococcal Disease Cases Linked to Travel to the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia (KSA): Ensure Pilgrims are Current on Meningococcal Vaccination