Page 29 - INTERNATIONAL SOS PR REPORT JUNE 2024
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6/6/24, 3:26 PM   International SOS encourages organisations to prioritise pilgrim health and safety during Hajj 2024 with vital precautions – Executiv…
        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

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        peers from various infectious diseases. This includes the mandatory meningococcal vaccination  , which must be
        administered no more than three 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:






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