Page 13 - INTERNATIONAL SOS PR REPORT JUNE 2024
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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
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